An impressive list of names are at the bottom of an open memo sent today to the White House. The memo states that the U.S. is facing "a long-term energy crisis" that must be addressed. This energy crisis threatens both the long-term security and prosperity of the country.

Copies of the letter were sent to both presidential candidates, as well as every member of Congress and all 50 governors. The memo was a bipartisan effort: the 27 signatories include Colin Powell, Henry Kissinger and six other former Secretaries of State or Defense. It was also signed by senators and senior White house advisers for previous administrations, as well as former CIA Director James Woolsey.

The letter lists 13 steps that the signers believe must be taken immediately to guarantee the U.S.'s energy security. According to the letter, current efforts are not nearly enough: "The United States is currently spending 50 percent less on energy research and development than during the 1970s’ oil embargo. We spend less than four billion dollars a year on clean energy R&D, which is less than we spend in three days on imported oil today."

The letter was drafted by the Institute for 21st Century Energy, under the guidance of the institute's president, Marine General James Jones. Jones, in an interview with the AP, described the approaching energy crisis as an "energy tsunami."

Photo — Scott Ableman