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Concept Version 6
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Oil

Oil remains a major energy source in the U.S., and changing this reliance requires political initiative.

Learning Objective

  • Describe the key impediments to severing a dependence on fossil fuels


Key Points

    • In the 1970s, politicians began considering the importance of the U.S. becoming less dependent on foreign-produced oil.
    • However, fossil fuels and petroleum remain a major energy source in the U.S.. This is in part because of the strength of the oil and energy lobby.
    • Two concerns over the influence of oil companies on energy policy are ongoing environmental consequences and political impact.
    • Today the idea of energy independence has emerged as an important political buzzword. It is yet to be seen if there is enough political will to make a significant shift from oil to other energy sources.

Term

  • energy independence

    Energy independence involves reducing U.S. imports of oil and other foreign sources of energy. If total energy is considered, the U.S. is over 70% self-sufficient.


Full Text

Oil

In the 1970s, the U.S. faced an oil crisis, with severe shortages leaving lineups at gas stations across the country . The crisis was set off at least in part because of oil embargoes levied by OAPEC (Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries), and conflicts in Libya. The oil crisis contributed to recessions in the country. At that time, politicians in the U.S. began considering the importance of becoming less dependent on foreign-produced oil.

1973 Oil Crisis

During the 1970s there were oil shortages in the US. This sign outside of a gas station let patrons know the state of their supply.

However, fossil fuels and petroleum remain a major energy source in the U.S.. This is in part because of the strength of the oil and energy lobby in the US. In the 2006 election cycle, oil companies donated $19 million dollars to campaigns with over 80% of that going to Republican candidates. There have also been concerns that oil lobbyists have had direct influence through close relationships with politicians. For example, oil executives were invited to consult on issues such as the U.S. position on the Kyoto Protocol and the involvement in Iraq.

Two concerns over the influence of oil companies on energy policy are ongoing environmental consequences and the political impacts of a reliance on oil. The continuing influence of oil companies has been implicated in limiting the development of new energy resources and technologies. The film "Who Killed the Electric Car? ", for example, looks at the various factors that limited the production and success of the electric car. The movie examines the role of oil companies, and particularly the Western States Petroleum Association, in limiting the production of public car charging stations.

Today the idea of energy independence has emerged as an important political buzzword. It is yet to be seen if there is enough political will to make a significant shift from oil to other energy sources.

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