Today we’re tackling the pesky little debate about Peak Oil and America’s overreliance on oil imports.
Near the height of the energy crisis in 2008, the Republicans popularized the slogan, “Drill, baby, drill!” But they should have been chanting, “Frac, baby, frac!”
Why? Because the largest gains in domestic oil production are coming from hydraulic fracturing. And this is most evident in North Dakota and Montana, which are home to the Bakken Shale.
A 2008 study by the U.S. Geological Survey estimates there’s as much as 4.3 billion barrels of recoverable oil in the formation. And North Dakota’s not wasting any time tapping it.
[ad#Google Adsense 336×280-IA]In September, North Dakota pumped a record 464,129 barrels a day – a 439% increase from a decade ago and right on par with Ecuador’s production. The gushing isn’t done yet, though.
Within five years, Rick Mueller, of ESAI Energy LLC, predicts that North Dakota could be producing anywhere from 700,000 barrels to one million barrels a day.
Doesn’t sound like a Peak Oil situation to me. Does it to you?
Another Startling Oil Chart
If we couple the increased domestic production with decreased domestic consumption, guess what? The United States is actually now a net exporter of oil. For the first time since the 1940s.
Since the middle of this year, net energy exports jumped into positive territory.
Energy independence, here we come! Well, not exactly. But it’s definitely progress.
Ahead of the tape,
Louise Basenese
[ad#jack p.s.]
Source: Wall Street Daily