AUGUSTA (AP) - Saying the nation is "dangerously dependent" on foreign oil, a report presented Tuesday to Gov. John Baldacci calls for a series of energy-reducing efforts, such as expanded home weatherization, additional energy audits and more transportation options.

High energy prices are a topic of discussion "at grocery stores, Main Streets, downtowns, no matter where you go, people are talking about it," Baldacci told a room full of energy experts from government, nonprofits and businesses as he received the report by the Pre-Emergency Energy Task Force. "People are really anxious, they're nervous, they want information."

Rather than recommending sweeping government actions and drastic policy changes, the report emphasizes volunteerism and community awareness with a touch of Yankee ingenuity. But the report minced no words on the seriousness of the situation.

"Our nation, region and state have become dangerously dependent on unreliable, insecure and expensive foreign oil and natural gas," John Kerry, chairman of the task force, said in the report's cover letter to the governor.

"As the annual fossil fuel bill in the State of Maine escalates to nearly $8 billion, it is clear that there is a dramatic need to change the energy culture and consumption patterns in the state, region and nation," says Kerry, director of the state Office of Energy Independence and Security.

Steep increases in oil prices can have a particularly acute impact in Maine, where 99.9 percent of its residents depend on petroleum products to fuel their vehicles and 80 percent are dependent on oil to heat their homes, the report says. Heating oil prices have been rising steadily for weeks but finally leveled off in the most recent state survey.

The report boasts Maine to be a leader in development of innovative energy programs, citing its early passage of global warming legislation and its purchase of 100 percent renewable energy for all state-owned buildings as examples. But is says more needs to be done.

The report recommends seven short-term actions that expand on the state's energy and transportation programs to address rising prices.

They include streamlining of all Maine energy resources to provide "one-stop shopping" for residents and businesses, with a 211 hot line that offers help to Mainers with information about energy programs, heating oil assistance, financial incentives and other programs.

It envisions expansion of weatherization to 5,000 Maine homes through distribution of "warm kits" before the winter arrives, and increased audits of homes and businesses by hundreds of energy service providers, such as meter readers and heating oil company drivers, Baldacci said.

Other recommendations include increased public outreach efforts to advise people what they can do to prepare for winter, and expanded energy-efficiency efforts at schools, businesses, municipalities and hospitals through existing state and federal programs.

The final recommendations include expansion of existing alternative transportation programs like Go Maine and Free Fare Fridays, and organization of local teams to make sure neighbors are warm and safe. Teams would consist of United Way organizations, faith-based groups, community action programs and civic groups.

Baldacci, who established the task force last November, gave no specifics when asked what the recommendations would cost and said much of the expense would fall to nonprofits and businesses willing to help. He did not rule out a special legislative session on energy issues.

"While (the winter) is going to be hard and difficult, we're going to get through it," said Baldacci. "We're going to make sure Maine people are safe and secure and warm this winter."