Bangor - They represent business, labor and the environment.

They're Maine Citizens for Clean Energy and they want to increase energy independence in the state.

"The question is if we don't do it now then when are we. When know that oil is a finite resource and we know while we're using it we continue to give money to countries that don't have American interest at heart," says Iraq war veteran Andrew Campbell.

Campbell says five billion dollars is spent every year on foreign oil and it's going into the hands of what he calls "anti-American regimes."

The group is calling for an initiative that would require electric utilities to invest in energy efficiency to cut down on costs.

A standard would also be set: 20% of Maine's power to come from new renewable energy sources by 2020.

"By having such an initiative with clearly stated goals and obligations it will send a message to the investment community and they will be willing to invest their capital," says John Cooney with Reed & Reed.

It's an investment in the state's landscape and its people.

They say the movement will reduce pollution and increase jobs.

"At the end of last year, Charlie published his report and he said over 600 permanent jobs have been provided in the wind energy sector in the state of Maine and that number has only grown since then," cooney said.

The coalition is gathering signatures in hopes that the initiative will be put on next November's ballot.

"America's energy problem is not going to be solved in short term, it's going to come from a lot of different groups, a lot of different people not just elected officials but people in Maine who care about this state and where it's headed," Campbell said.

And they believe their efforts are steps in the right direction.

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