A Plan to Secure America's Energy Independence
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A National Strategy for Achieving
ENERGY INDEPENDENCERECOMMENDATIONS TO THE NATION ON
REDUCING U.S. OIL DEPENDENCE
FALL SEMESTER 2012
CODY MORELAND
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A NATIONAL STRATEGY
FENERGY INDEPENDENCE!
Recommendations to the Nation on Reducing U.S. OilDependence
Name: Cody Moreland
Date: December 2012
Subject: Foreign Policy
Instructor: Dr. Hoffman
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction
5 Foreign Policy Agenda
8 The Bush Plan
9 Policy Recommendations
10 Reduced Reliance on Persian Gulf Oil11 Securing the Oil Supply (National Security)
14 U.S. Oil Production
15 Increase Investment in New Energy Technologies
16 Switch to Alternative Fuels
18 Expanding Sources of Oil
20 Chinas Demand
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IntroductionA National Strategy For Energy Security
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A Strategy to Secure Energy Independence
Introduction
Energy is a significant obstacle to U.S. foreign policy. Our
dependence on foreign oil is causing a rapid decline of U.S. power and
influence in the international system. Oil remains a strategic commodity that
is largely controlled by hostile governments throughout the world. These
nations have the ability to increase prices and control the flow of oil at the
tip of their fingers. The problem, in relation to the United States, is that we
have become addicted to oil, as George Bush stated. Oil is the lifeblood of
the Americas economy and therefore Bush proposed we move beyond a
petroleum-based economy and make our dependence on Middle East oil a
thing of the past. This dependence is economically damaging and if the
government does not take action it could eventually lead to U.S. decline in
the international system. The Bush plan is the first step in a long process of
securing our energy independence, enhancing our national security, and
deterring Americans from its addiction of oil.
North America and its oil reserves remain the swing market that
could make or break the new gas age. The global oil supply will still keep
markets supplied for decades to come, however, the flow of the oil is
constantly at risk. If the U.S. were to be cut off from foreign oil, we would
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with an OPEC price spike. The rising prices of oil acted as tax increase on
the population, therefore off setting any benefit one received from a tax cut.
The majority of the 12 OPEC nations are also linked to terrorism. According
to the study,National Security Consequences of Oil Dependence, 55-60%
of oil produced, is done by states that finance, train, and provide weapons in
support of terrorism. The United States has revamped efforts to decrease
our dependence on OPEC, using new drilling technologies and increased
federal projects. These issues of achieving energy independence not only
affect foreign policy, but also the strength of our economy and national
security.
Oil will remain vital to our ultimate goal of energy independence.
Most of the world, and specifically China, will be working hard to prevent
our energy independence. Since 2010 China has invested $17 billion into
American oil production, as well as $18 billion into Canada. North
American resources are vital to price risk management for China. With gas
and oil, China will be able to purchase a stake in the production means of the
U.S. economy, which will influence trade. A large population with a
growing middle class will see a rapid increase in oil demanded; therefore
China has an interest in securing oil supply routes. I believe the U.S. needs
to think rationally when dealing with strategic partnerships, as there will be
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times when we have to decide between resources or trade. I encourage our
leaders to act in the interest of the American people and not political
motives, so that we can have a brighter future of fewer conflicts and less
dependence on instable oil regions. The cost of investments needed to secure
our energy independence fails to compare with the trillions of dollars and
thousand of lives we have lost struggling to create stability in a region that
has never seen such a thing.
The world oil supply continues to be affected by regional instability.
In 2011, we saw an abundance of political turmoil in the North African and
Middle East regions. These regions happen to hold about 60% of the worlds
known oil supply. We saw a direct price spike at the pump due to this
instability. According to the Congressional Briefing Book for 2012, the main
conflict that had an effect on oil prices was the Civil War in Libya, which
disrupted 1.7 mbd in the global market. This instability caused the highest
yearly average of oil prices ever recorded in the international system (Congr.
Brief 2012). We also saw imports from Nigeria decrease by 22% in 2012 as
oil production was disrupted due to civil unrest (Energy Info Admin).
Nigeria provides the U.S. with more oil than any other Middle Eastern
country except Saudi Arabia. This regional instability continues to hinder
our foreign policy agenda, as well as affecting our flow of oil.
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Foreign Policy Agenda
The U.S. dependence on foreign oil has created a weakness in our foreign policy.
First off, the control over immense oil revenues allows exporting nations the flexibility to
create strategies that oppose U.S. interests. Iran continues to develop their nuclear
program and appears to be close to acquiring the weapon. Russia has been allowed to
disregard U.S. values, as it has shifted toward authoritarian policies thanks to vast
revenues from oil and gas. Venezuela has enough capital from its oil trade to become a
regional power in the Latin American political sphere. The revenue from oil allows them
to fund changes such as Bolivias latest decision to nationalize its oil. Due to their
increasing oil wealth, many producer nations are able to disregard U.S. policies and have
increasingly become a serious threat to our national security.
Secondly, due to oil dependence, there have been shifts in foreign policy interests
that limit the ability of the United States to form strategic partnerships and achieve
common goals. We have seen nations that are dependent on oil imports adjust their
foreign policies to be favorable toward suppliers. For example, China has been creating
strategic partnerships in the Middle East and Africa because of its quest to secure future
oil supplies. The U.S. has been strategically tied to Saudi Arabia, despite not having the
same values. Most of the European Union has been hesitant to tackle complex issues with
Iran and Russia due to their dependence on oil and gas. The UN sanctions against Iran
have removed 2.5 million barrels per day from the market. This has caused some oil
dependent states to be unwilling to take action against the nuclear program. The U.S.
needs to create strategic partnerships with rapidly growing consumers, especially India
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and China. This emerging market in Asia could allow for expanding trade of oil and
goods.
With oil supply becoming increasingly limited, the worlds biggest oil consumers
have become specifically focused on securing future supply. It seems that these nations
are making their oil interests a top priority. In Sudan, civil war and widespread
humanitarian cruelties have not stopped the Chinese government and its oil companies
from financing oil supply and infrastructure developments. We have seen China prevent
other nations efforts from solving the Darfur crisis in Sudan through use of UN veto
power. Likewise, this dependence on oil has forced China, India, and many European
nations to finance oil opportunities in Iran, despite interests to contain its nuclear
ambitions. This clearly illustrates how dependent nations have become in regards to oil. I
believe it is in the best interest of the U.S. to not be involved in these entangling
relationships.
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The U.S. imports about 4 mbd or 1.5 billion barrels total from hostile or
unstable suppliers with a total cost $150 billion going to the American taxpayer. This
total excludes Venezuela, which is one of our top 5 suppliers. They did not make the list
because they are not considered by the U.S. State Departments as hostile or unstable,
although they have sustained an anti-American foreign and energy policy.
Achieving oil independence from the hostile regions of the world would help
solve this problem. Energy issues need to become a central part of US policy making. It
has been put on the backburner for too long, and we are beginning to see the
consequences it has on our economy and national security
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Bush Plan
In 2005 President Bush created the Energy Policy Act, the Alternative Fuel
Standard proposal and the Renewable Fuel Standard program. This program continues to
be a homerun for the American public as it enhances our energy security, while at the
same time protects the environment and supports the American agriculture market. Bush
asked Congress to allow the head of the Department of Transportation to reform the car
fuel economy standard. The presidents plan calls for an increase in the use of renewable
and alternative fuel sources. The plan proposed that the market would see growth in the
alternative fuel sources due to increased government investment towards technology. We
have seen the positive effects of Bushs investments in the last few years with new
technologies being discovered called hydraulic fracking. Reserves are being unlocked
now that just five years ago were deemed unthinkable. This has caused what is known as
the second American oil boom. Bush believed if Congress acted on these plans that we
would reduce the use of oil by 20 percent within ten years.
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Solution
Policy'Recommendations:'Moving'Forward'
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Policy Recommendations: Moving forward
We are putting the country at risk by giving our adversaries major
leverage. To achieve leverage against these adversaries in the global oil
market, the U.S. needs to limit the consumed amount of foreign oil coming
from hostile regions. This reduced reliance on foreign oil would allow for
Congress to cut the defense budget if necessary, as well as leaving open the
possibility of increased humanitarian efforts, which in turn would allow the
U.S. to gain trust in the international system, once again. . This would allow
for a significant withdrawal of U.S. military forces in the Middle East. We
also need to see the growth in consumption reduced in part because the rest
of the world is seeing a vast increase in oil demanded. The only true
solution to the problem is to move away from oil and create a diversified
energy market so that monopolies cannot exist. We have seen President
Obama continue the Bushs plan and if bi-partisan support continues,
Congress shall meet its common objective: Energy Independence.
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Reduced Reliance On Persian Gulf Oil
One of the goals of the Iraq war was to create stability in the oil rich region in
order to secure the future flow of oil to the U.S. When we have seen an increase in the
supply, as well as a secure flow of oil, the price of oil has decreased worldwide.
Therefore, we should multilaterally encourage oil production throughout the world, as
interdependence has proven to work. An increased oil supply from sources outside the
Middle East is a positive for the international oil market because it can limit the
dependence on the instable Middle East region. However, if we become oil independent
we will no longer have a valid cause for military action in the Middle East. This will
remain a huge obstacle in Congress, as there are members who think this will weaken our
global stature, and others who believe it will only make us stronger. A realist would say it
comes down to more than just oil, but also U.S. global power.
It is a possibility of U.S. global power being severely undermined if we remove
forces from the region. Countries will begin to have an increased reliance on China for
security purposes as the U.S. reduces its presence in the region. China will become the
dominating regional power and will grow its influence in the Persian Gulf. This could be
a double-edged sword against the U.S. because we will remain connected to global oil
prices, however we would have limited influence in the Gulf. It is possible that if China
were to become the regional power we could eventually see newly formed alliances,
dividing the world in half again as we saw with the two superpowers of the Cold War.
This influence could range from a wide variety of issues including nuclear talks or
peacekeeping efforts. Congresses power, when it comes foreign policy, could be
severely limited with a decline in U.S. global influence. Therefore, I believe it will be
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beneficial to both political parties in Congress to increase trade to stable countries in the
Persian Gulf region. If Congress to maintain a strong economic presence in the region as
it should make up any ground we lose to China. It would allow us to withdrawal troops,
but at the same time remain influential in the region. The subject of U.S. global influence
is just one of the many obstacles Congress must face in our quest to achieve energy
independence.
Securing the Oil Supply (National Security)
Our energy independence has a direct correlation to our national security. Oil
dependence deteriorates our national security agenda. Vulnerability of supply lines and
global oil stockpiles has forced the U.S. to bear the burden of protecting the flow of the
world oil supply. Having our troops entwined in several unstable parts of the world, as
the main guardian of the flow of oil, strictly limits our policy decisions in the
international system. However, at the current rate, it is essential to protect the flow of oil
because our current economy is oil-based. Oil reserves remain vital in protecting markets
against crippling disruptions to the supply. The U.S. and many other oil-importing
nations created oil reserves in the 1970s to prevent risks that could occur if there is
disruption in the supply.
We should increase our reserve from 700 million barrels of crude oil to 1 billion
barrels. If there is a disruption in the world oil supply, oil can be drawn from the reserve
in order to even out the price of oil in the U.S. With over 50 percent of the supply being
transported via maritime routes, there is a high risk of attack by hostile actors. We saw
first hand last year what such a disruption can do to the price of oil. The price of oil
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spiked due to threats by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, which is known as the worlds
most strategic choke point. A mass disruption in the flow of oil has harsh effects on the
U.S economy and will still remain one of our biggest threats for years to come. A future
possibility of disruption in the oil supply would be U.S. involvement in a regional war in
the Middle East. State actors could cut off oil supply to the U.S, and could cause an
economic depression.
As long as terror cells remain strong in the oil region, terrorism will remain the
primary threat against supply routes and national security. According to Dennis Blair, an
expert on Middle East oil policy, the petroleum facilities are high on Al Qaedas hit list.
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Al Qaedas main goal is to disrupt the weakened the U.S. economy. Our best policy is to
continue the hunt for terrorists, while increasing our focus on becoming far less
dependent on foreign petroleum, which as Blair stated, is a commodity for which there
is no free market.
We need to make sure the infrastructure of our oil reserves are up to date.
Hurricane Katrina gave us insight to the vulnerability of our reserves. They were
shutdown during the hurricane due to electricity outages affecting the power to the
reserve facilities. If our facilities are secure from a natural disaster or terrorist attack, then
the price of oil will not sky rocket during times when the reserve is needed. There needs
to be joint cooperation between the government and the oil industry to ensure these
vulnerabilities are reduced. As well as cooperation between members of Congress and
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which was created to control our stockpiles
of oil. They have produced plans to create natural gas pipelines throughout North
America; however, some of these plans, such as the Keystone Pipeline, have been
delayed due to local opposition and political disagreement. Congress has seen gridlock on
the issue and interest groups have researched the possible environmental damage to
grasslands and aquifers along the route, which have proven to be critical to our
ecosystems. Congress must weigh the positive and negative benefits, both economically
and environmentally, before sending a proposal to the President. President Obama has
said he is disappointed that Republicans in Congress forced this decision to strike down
the Keystone pipeline, but it does not change my administrations commitment to
American-made energy that creates jobs and reduces our dependence on oil.
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US Oil Production
North America has been the fasting growing producer of oil and natural gas in
recent years due to new developments in technologies, such as shale oil extraction. This
American-made energy that Obama describes creates jobs and reduces our dependence
on foreign oil. This recent surge in production must continue for the U.S. to achieve
energy independence. The U.S. remains the third largest producer of oil in the world and
saw a growth in production over the last three consecutive years for the first time since
1983-1985 (DOE, EIA). The recent uptick in U.S. oil production is being propelled by
recent development in specific regions in the country such as the Midwest, Alaska, and
the Federal offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico (US Oil Dependence). Drilling in the
Gulf came to a halt after the Deep-water Horizon incident of 2011, but we were able to
make up for the loss of production with Congresses approval for increased oil drilling in
North Dakota and Texas (Congr. Brief 2012). Congress should enact safety measures to
prevent accidents like the deep-water Horizon spill from happening in the future.
Congress could then build a bipartisan consensus for the expanded use of offshore
drilling.
This current rate of domestic production is still not enough. Even with our
increased production, we still do not produce enough domestically to supply our current
rate of 19mbd. The world demand for oil has only increased over this time, which has
lead to higher prices and more imported oil. This is a substantial obstacle for the U.S., as
it weakens personal capital and limits private investments. With an increasing global
demand for oil supply, we have also seen competiveness between the world powers heat
up in securing future flow of oil.
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Increased Investments in New Energy Technologies
When it comes to investing in new energy technologies the private sector seems
to always forget to take into account the benefits that the entire population would receive
from new energy technologies. Therefore, the need for government investment is crucial
for the future of not only our energy technology, but also our energy efficiency, making
our energy secure, and increasing supply in the U.S. The Department of Energy is
primarily responsible to tackle these difficult tasks before it becomes a handcuff to our
foreign policy.
Strong subsidies are needed to encourage the investment of new efficient
methods of energy. We have to keep a close eye on these investment companies so they
do not fail like Solyndra. Congresses approved governmental investment in new
technologies could be what makes or break the future of our energy independence.
As of 2012, oil provides for 36 percent of the US energy demand, with 70 percent
directed to fuels used in transportation gasoline, diesel and jet fuel (Institute for Energy
Resource). Oil is the heart and soul of the American commerce. We need to learn as a
collective party to reduce our consumption of oil. Policies need to be put in place to slow
the growth in our demand. One solution to slow our demand for oil is to create a tax on
every gallon of gasoline purchased. According to the National Security Consequences of
US Oil Dependency, this would decrease the use of oil by 3 to 6 percent. Over the course
of the next decade we would see an increase in fuel-efficient vehicles purchased and
produced, due to the tax, bringing down US dependence on oil. Overtime, the total
population of vehicles in the US would become more efficient. The possibility of a vast
increase in public transportation could lead to less demand of oil. Electric modes of
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transportation, such as the subway system are a win-win situation for society due to the
decrease in oil consumption and an increase in the use of public transportation.
Switch to Alternative fuels
In order for alternatives to be successful, they have to be readily available to the
consumers at a reasonable cost. A government subsidy for the use of alternatives is
necessary in becoming a less oil dependent country. There needs to be an increased focus
on the development of nuclear power, but before this can be mass produced, the
government needs to find better solutions for nuclear waste. Increased security of these
installations will be a necessity as a terrorist attack on the nuclear plants is a definite
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possibility. This wealth of electricity supply could help wean the U.S. off of oil and lead
to a population of electric based vehicles. Electric vehicles are starting to be a hot
commodity on U.S. car lots. It is extremely important to maintain this action so that we
can sustain a major share in the market. This solution would decrease the dependence on
foreign oil and lead to the US becoming more energy independent.
When oil fields, such as ANWR, are brought up in foreign policy they are usually
struck down by wildlife and environmental activists. ANWR was actually set aside by
Congress for oil exploration in the 80s. We should consider leaving the reserve
untouched for now so that we have a safe haven if we ever dried our reserves. A
possibility of this happening would be a world war. While it may not happen anytime
soon, it could happen one day and oil could be the key target. However, we still need to
understand the potentials of oil-enriched areas like ANWR. If areas like this are opened
for business, we could see the US production of oil increase, which would lower the
global price of oil. There are many environmental obstacles, such as interests groups that
Congress must overcome if they wish to use ANWR to become energy independent.
The Alaska National Interest Land Claims Act (ANILCA), which created the
current ANWR border in 1980 mandates that no development within the area is allowed
without approval from Congress. I would urge Congress members to look at a similar
area just 50 miles west of ANWR. It is known as Prudhoe Bay Oil field and it is where
the largest oil exploration area in North America is located. A study on animal life in and
around the area has been done by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. They have
found that there was an increase from 5000 to 33000 caribou in the area over a course of
thirty years (ANWR.ORG). According to a report by the US Fish and Wildlife Service
these animals, including oxen, brown bears as well as polar bears, live through the
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biggest oil field in North America and show no sign of ill effects. Studies similar have
been done by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game. The Exxon Valdez disaster allowed for a wake-up call for the government to
control oil companies environmental standards. This has exponentially improved
wildlife in the arctic region. In the Prudhoe Bay region, if any wildlife is crossing the
road, vehicles are required by law to stop and wait for the animal to pass by naturally, or
to turn around and go another way. Oil companies are strict on wildlife and do not allow
workers to interfere with the natural movement of wildlife. There are obvious obstacles
such as environmental interest groups and Congressional gridlock. All the evidence
should be weighed before the government makes a decision on weather to drill in the
ANWR region that was reserved for petroleum exploration.
Expanding sources of oil
World consumption of oil will still increase over time regardless if the US
chooses an aggressive approach to control oil demand. The U.S. has a strategic interest in
maintaining stability in the Middle East due to the vast amount of oil reserves. The U.S.
closest oil partner in the Middle East is clearly Saudi Arabia with 8.1% of our oil imports
coming from their reserves (Energy Information Administration 2012). We should
support expanded production in the country as long as there are still improvements to the
humanitarian efforts. It is crucial to move away from the authoritarian governments that
have created instability for years in the region. As we saw in the Iraq war, the purpose
was to create political stability so that authoritarian leaders do not restrict the production
of oil. I believe the best solution for our reliance on the Middle East is for the
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government to encourage production in other areas, such as West Africa and other
locations throughout the globe. If we diversify our oil imports throughout the world, we
can have a society that is more economically integrated, which would lead to less
conflict. As we have seen with the Strait of Hormuz in 2012, if oil supply routes are at
risk, it affects the entire global economy. It is necessary for the U.S. to practice
multilateralism in dealing with these security issues. The president should use the bully
pulpit to encourage a coalition of nations, which should be developed to focus on
building an infrastructure security program. The program would protect critical
infrastructures and transit routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz or Panama Canal. The
coalition could use naval war games as an act of deterrence against threats to shut the
strait down.
Another world power, Russia, remains the second-largest oil exporter, as well as
the largest exporter and producer of natural gas. Russia plays an important role in the
international system. They have used their influence in a broad range of issues including
stability in Central Asia, as well as cooperation with Iran in regards to its nuclear
program. We have seen Russia increase production of oil and gas in recent years under
government operation. Even though we have differences in our foreign policy objectives
the US should strongly support the expanding production.
The proposal of a Bering Strait tunnel connecting Russia and North America
would strengthen US-Russian relations over the long term, along with increasing cultural
ties between the two continents. The proposal would allow for the free flow of oil,
people, and products around the world. This interdependence is essential to advancing
global peace and shared prosperity among nations. Congress would face obstacles such as
interest groups fighting over constructing the project or engineering concerns. Hearings
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would need to be held, as it would be a monumental step in connecting the West and the
East. An obstacle to moving this forward would be getting bi-partisan support. The tunnel
would be a hot button political topic and it is possible that we could see gridlock between
parties. I encourage Congress to approve this with bipartisan support, as this is a matter
for securing our future and not for personal political gain.
The expansion of pipelines throughout all of North America is essential in
achieving energy independence from the rest of the world. Pipelines connecting Canada,
Mexico, and the United States would see levels of efficiency increase as well as security.
The money spent on 150,000 troops being stationed in the Persian Gulf could be used to
protect oil pipelines and reserves at home. This would appeal to most members of
Congress. It would also allow these troops to be closer to their families and public
approval would sky rocket. The U.S. would no longer have the entangling alliances we
now have in the Middle East. As Thomas Jefferson said, Peace, commerce, and honest
friendship with all nationsentangling alliances with none.
Chinas Demand
I advise the U.S. to keep a watchful eye on China as they continue their quest to
block U.S. efforts to achieve oil independence. They will prefer to remain interdependent
with the U.S. in order to strategically position themselves for their increasing demand of
oil. China is involved in many deals to secure their future oil flow. They have been
providing weapons and security guarantees to petroleum supplying states such as Iran,
Venezuela, Nigeria, and some countries in South Asia, as well as preventing other states
from supplying petroleum to the free world. These deals typically involve some sort of
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Chinese investment into the region, such as airports or schools to lock up future reserves.
In some cases, China has even supplied arms to countries in return for a percentage of
future oil production. This investment has only lead to vast instability in hostile regions
throughout the world, as well as increased prices of oil worldwide.
The actions of the Chinese government are preventing the U.S. from achieving
its personal interests. The Chinese Investment Corporation (C.I.C.) has invested billions
of dollars towards Chinese oil-producing companies. They have operations in states such
as Kansas, Texas, and North Dakota as well as of our shores in the Gulf of Mexico and
the coast of California. They have a vision of tankers crossing the Pacific for years to
come, as it will be cheaper to purchase oil from a region known for stability. They are
using large-scale investments to secure a high rate of international exports through
Canada as well. The C.I.C. has invested heavily in making sure Canadian oil finds its
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way to the international markets instead of down through the Midwest to Texas, via the
Keystone Pipeline. If China is highly invested in U.S. oil production efforts they will
virtually be able to supply their own increasing demand without the U.S. being able to do
anything. This could cause a large price increase and the American taxpayers would take
the bullet.
We must not make the same mistake as China in creating these entangling oil
alliances. Being self-sufficient will make the U.S. a stronger world power due to less
money being spent on foreign imports. The price of oil will remain cheap if we are self -
sufficient and the American economy will reap the benefits of the booming oil market.
The Persian Gulf conflicts of the last twenty years have provided key evidence that a
boosted presence in hostile regions has only increased the price of oil, as well as
amplified threats to our national security. As the competition to lock up future oil
reserves increases, so does the possibility of conflict among world powers. We must
make sure that this competition does not disrupt U.S.-China economic ties, as well as
create conflict, because they are both vital to maintaining U.S. prosperity and influence in
the international system. If the U.S. does not increase investments in North America for
oil production means, China will do so anyways, taking a big stake of the U.S. economy
with them. Becoming the leading producer of oil in the world is a short-term tactical
victory for the U.S. The real victory will be for China as they will be able to secure their
energy needs of the future and increase their superpower prestige. China will be able to
use this leverage to even out U.S. production profits and break the pricing game. With
Chinas increasing demand for oil, it is a cheap and plausible strategy to discretely invest
against our energy independence.
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CONCLUSON
If the previous steps to ensuring U.S. energy independenceare taken, we will be self-sufficient by the year 2035.
According to the IEA, we will overtake Saudi Arabia as the
worlds largest oil producer by this date. The recent
recovery of gas and oil production has been in large part
due to the advancement in drilling technologies. If the U.S.is able to steer interests from the volatile region of the
Middle East, we could see an increase of U.S power in the
international system. We must realize that sacrifice is
necessary in achieving the goal of energy independence.
America is not going to change their consumption habits
without the government interfering. We can no longer
ignore the fact that oil is a dangerous commodity. It strictly
limits our foreign policy agenda and distorts the image of
the shining city upon the hill, in which Tocqueville
described. To remain exceptional in the modern world, the
U.S. must break its addiction; Oil.