Energy Security
We live in an increasingly complex world in which increased reliance on foreign energy sources is a threat to our energy security — and national security.
An important part of the equation is building a diverse supply of new energy sources, which is why the oil and gas industry are making major investments in alternative energy sources. But those energy sources alone aren’t enough to meet America’s rising energy demands.
The state of South Carolina alone is responsible for consuming more than 103 million barrels of oil per year. Further, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that we 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.
Unfortunately, right now we’re relying more and more on acquiring our oil from foreign partners — many of whom don’t share America’s national interests. We can continue to import this energy from abroad — or we can tap our resources here at home. We have enough North American oil and natural gas resources to power 65 million cars for 60 years and heat 60 million households for 160 years.
Also read:
- Energizing America: Facts for Addressing Energy Policy
- The State of American Energy Report
- ICF International: Strengthening Our Economy: The Untapped U.S. Oil and Gas Resources
