The United States is one of the world’s largest consumers of oil, and as such, it has a vast network of sources for this crucial resource. The production and acquisition of oil in the United States come from various places, including domestic drilling and international imports. Understanding where the U.S. gets its oil from is essential for grasping the complexities of the country’s energy infrastructure and its impact on the economy and the environment.
Where do we get oil from in the United States? The U.S. produces a significant portion of its oil domestically from several prolific regions. The top oil-producing states include Texas, North Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Colorado. The Permian Basin in West Texas and eastern New Mexico is one of the most significant sources of shale oil production. Offshore drilling, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, also contributes a substantial amount of domestic oil. In addition to domestic production, the United States imports oil from several countries. As of 2020, the largest sources of U.S. crude oil imports were Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Colombia. However, the landscape of oil importation can shift due to geopolitical events, changes in production levels, and international trade agreements. It is important to note that while the U.S. imports oil, it also exports crude oil and petroleum products, thanks to the large-scale production that has been achieved in recent years.
Understanding the sources of U.S. oil is critical for energy policy and economic strategy. The balance between domestic production and imports has implications for energy independence and security. Moreover, the methods and locations of oil extraction have environmental and social considerations that continue to be the subject of public and political debate.