Two dozen Senate Democrats have signed a letter to President Bush calling for the federal government to significantly increase funding for alternative energy programs and incentives encouraging cleaner and more diverse energy sources.

"To break our overdependence on fossil fuels, we need a large-scale investment to really move us towards a 21st century energy system," said Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who was among those signing the letter. "The president should significantly increase funding for alternative energy programs already on the books and develop a real plan to address our energy needs with more affordable and reliable fuel sources."

Others signing the letter included Democratic leader Harry Reid, of Nevada; Energy Committee ranking member Jeff Bingaman, of New Mexico; Appropriations Committee ranking member Robert Byrd, of West Virginia; and Finance Committee ranking member Max Baucus, of Montana.

In their letter, the senators called on the president to back significant increases in funding for energy efficiency, biofuel development and clean energy technology. They also advocated encouraging alternative fuel vehicles, including flex-fuel plug-in hybrid vehicles.

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