The US hasn't truly been dependent on foreign oil since late 2016 for most things and everything since 2019. The oil we import is offsetting oil exports for different grades and niche markets.
Exports are going NUTS, much of the imports are for refinement and exporting.
U.S. Exports of Crude Oil (Thousand Barrels per Day)
The chart shows peak export in 2020 and large, precipitous decline immediately thereupon. Yes, there was a change in US leadership then...and a concomitant change in US policies.
Now, in 2022, what are the numbers? I went to the linked website, and was surprised at the lack of data covering the last several years. We're almost at January 2023 (3 years after that chart): yet, the raw data is not there, let alone any way to link to it.
I would posit that the "Exports are going NUTS..." statement is no longer valid. Perhaps "Exports
WERE going nuts" would be more appropriate?
The current administration has made several statements that makes me think this shortage is purposeful and fundamental to their long-term goals.
1. Announcing a desire to ban all internal combustion engines
2. Announcing an end to coal
3. The fervent belief in anthropomorphic climate effects
4. A proven track record of destroying small businesses and benefitting large corporations
These are all internally consistent beliefs, goals, and policies. They fly in the face of facts...but that never stopped any previous religion.
The cost of fuel will continue to rise, but it will be available. The higher the price, the more assured you will be of being able to find some, somewhere.
It will take a change in US federal policies to return to the low cost fuel we had in the 2016-2020 time period.
Edited to add: Here's a link to a post I made showing US energy production and use, a flowchart from Lawrence Livermore National Labs.
Look the sources of energy. Look at what happens if you eliminate coal (and natural gas) from electrical production. Next, look at how electrical NEEDS will skyrocket if you take petroleum away from transportation.
Facts are irrefutable.
Eventually they’ll figure air resistance into the equation.
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