AMERICA’S ENERGY FORUM Bringing experts and verifiable facts to the energy discussion

U.S. Energy Security

In 2010 the United States spent $72 billion more on imported oil than we did in 2009.

That means we are relying an increasing amount on foreign nations to supply us with our energy.  Many of these nations don’t share America’s’ security interests — national or economic. This leaves us vulnerable to global crises, which causes less reliability and can potentially disrupt our energy supply. 

These disruptions lead to rising energy prices, which hurts our economic security.  It could even lead to supply shortages.

At the same time, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that the world will need an expansion of about 24.5 million barrels of oil per day just to keep up with global economic growth.  Natural gas demand is also expected to increase by 45 percent between now and 2035 (Source EIA Annual Energy Outlook).

America is at a crossroads: do we continue to power our economy by purchasing our energy from foreign nations far away — or do we tap our home-grown energy resources?

We know that we have enough domestic oil and natural gas resources to power 65 million cars for 60 years and heat 60 million households for 160 years.

According to a recent Wood Mackenzie study, within 15 years – with increased U.S. production, Canada’s oil sands resources and a growing domestic biofuels industry – the U.S. can meet 100 percent of its liquid fuel needs.

We also know that greater energy security translates to more reliable energy, which can prevent rising energy costs and leave more money in the hands of American employers, workers and consumers.  Further, developing our domestic energy resources can create new jobs and new tax revenue.

In addition, the men and women of our Armed Forces are deployed across the globe, many in regions from which we are importing an increasing amount of our energy. This puts these Americans — and our national security — at risk.

Many of the foreign partners from whom we current purchase our energy don’t share America’s national, economic or security interests. 

We can continue to put our national and economic security at risk by relying on these foreign sources of energy — or we can tap the vast array of energy resources that lie here in North America.

Read more:

• U.S. Supply Forecast & Potential Jobs & Economic Impacts (2012 – 2030)

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Stop importing the oil! Let's make it hear at home and get people back to work!

Posted on August 31, 2011

Yeah, but what about alternative energy? Can't we kick our oil habit?

Posted on August 29, 2011

Anyone who thinks high gas costs don't impact the economy is wrong. When it costs me $60 to fill up a gas tank that only cost me $40 to fill two years ago, we have a problem. This debate's been going on since the 70's. When are the politicians actually going to take action and let us produce more of our own energy?

Posted on August 12, 2011