Energy use in the USA? Why is the United States vulnerable to other nations in regard to its energy needs?

Best Answer

America does not have enough domestic oil or natural gas to support even half it%26#039;s economy. Therefore we are reliant on the OPEC nations to provide us oil.

And since there is no– as of yet viable–energy alternative to maintain or grow the economy, we are in a constant struggle to have OPEC nations provide us with oil.

We also are vulnerable to China and other emerging countries whose economies have grown substantially, putting pressure on the amount of oil available to us.

The US economic growth is directly tied to the supply of oil, period. Our way of life can diminish greatly if and when oil moves past its peak.

Asker's Rating:

That%26#039;s very helpful. Thanks!

Other Answers (2)

• Theory here: OPEC cuts off oil/gas to the US. US has to buy from other sources, price goes up, costs of goods rises. Markets go down because consumer spending goes down. Businesses fail because cost of goods is up, people lose jobs, etc...
  
  One reason why we need to gain independence from other oil producing nations and rely on our own sources AND why we need to look at alternative fuels for our country and consumers needs.
• well, there are several reasons....
  But mainly the US is large and outside of the northeast, D.C and Chicago public transportation is not really effective, or used.... so people are very reliant on their own cars, which is very wasteful in the whole energy realm...
• Because U have the politics Eng where the oil co. could drill. No drilling off Florida??? We have got China drilling down there but we cant. We need to explore wherever the oil is and prepare to get it. If we don%26#039;t NEED it the price will come down. Let the co. explore and if they find it then drill.