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Energy independence achieved. Except it hasn't been at all, because much of the oil is more profitable to sell and refine abroad than use domestically. So if w
by crunchlibrarian 8y ago
Energy independence achieved.
Except it hasn't been at all, because much of the oil is more profitable to sell and refine abroad than use domestically. So if we actually wanted to force independence we'd need to prohibit companies from exporting their oil.
I doubt that's ever happening. Watch the "energy independence" talking point evaporate now that the new millionaires have been minted. It's almost as if that's what it was always about, isn't it?
- saryant 8y agoWe're energy independent in the 1970's sense, which is when the term originated. We are no longer subject to the sort of oil embargo OPEC initiated in 1973 over Western nations' support of Israel, because the West now has sufficient capacity to plug any gap in supply.
- phyller 8y agoI'm not sure about that. The US still consumes a lot more than it produces. It might be the largest oil producer by a little, but it is the largest oil consumer by a lot. Looks like, net of exports, US production needs to rise several million barrels a day more to be really capable of meeting its own supply. Unless you are thinking of other Western countries that have enough surplus to cover the difference for the rest? Relevant data: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_sum_snd_d_nus_mbblpd_m_cur.htm https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_sum_snd_d_nus_mbblpd_m_cur....
- jessaustin 8y ago"Energy independence" originated as a "talking point" with the warmongers in the military-industrial-media complex. They didn't think it was possible, so they could cry some crocodile tears about that while fomenting more death and suffering in the Middle East. The innovators took them at face value, and decided that it's good to make money by avoiding war. That's when we started hearing about chemical weapons...