Energy efficiency is critical to U.S. security -- our dependence on foreign oil remains a burden to us militarily, diplomatically and economically.

But America's single largest consumer of petroleum products is the Department of Defense, the very people who are responsible for maintaining our national security.

The Department of Defense currently consumes more than $13 billion in petroleum products each year. And many Defense Department inventions (for example, the Hummer) also become available to civilians. That's why it's critical that the Defense Department adopts energy efficiency as a national standard.

Solar panels, biofuels, electric vehicles and high-performance batteries are all tools the military can use to reduce its carbon bootprint.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates could make energy efficiency a priority in his department's plans for research and development -- but he needs direction to do this from above.

Tell President Obama to ensure we take steps to green the Defense Department!