US Oil Dependence: A Problem of 'Hard' Choices

According to President Joe Biden, 'there is nothing we can't do if we do it together.' However, when it comes to oil production in the United States, this statement seems to ring hollow. Despite promises from presidents since Jimmy Carter to reduce dependence on Middle Eastern oil, the country remains beholden to Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The main reason for this is the difference between American-produced light, sweet crude and the heavier, higher-sulfur crude supplied by the Middle East. Old U.S. refineries were not built to process the latter, making it costly to build new ones or upgrade existing facilities. Environmental laws would also hamper such efforts.

President Trump has expressed interest in tapping more light, sweet crude from the North Sea, which could boost the UK economy and reduce reliance on Middle Eastern oil. However, far-left environmentalists have been a significant hurdle, blocking offshore drilling projects in California and Florida due to concerns about oil spills and damage to wildlife.

Iran has taken advantage of this situation, betting that Democrats will take control of Congress and deny President Trump funds for military action against their country. The U.S. naval blockade is currently working, but at what cost?