The U.S. dependence on foreign sources of oil drives investment into new energy resources. In 2007, U.S. net imports of barrels of oil exceeded 4.4 billion (calculated using number of barrels per day). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 40% of all energy consumed in the U.S. is from oil. Additionally, the Energy Information Administration states that the U.S. is the third largest producer of oil (8% of the global oil supply) and the largest consumer of oil (24% of the global oil supply). Therefore, only 33% of the petroleum we consume is produced in the U.S., with 66% imported from foreign countries. With the increase in global demand, the U.S. will need to find alternative sources of oil for both economic and national security. Oil's price is historically very volatile, however, discovering a stable oil source will increase oil price stability. By creating an alternative and stable method of oil production, the U.S. economy would be buffered from foreign oil supply shocks.         Envion recognizes the risks inherent in the country's current oil production, consumption, and import patterns and places a high priority on leading America on the path to energy independence. It is important to have a diverse national energy portfolio, and Envion is committed to providing alternative technology for domestic oil production.