Information Sources
Our dependence on foreign oil is well known. the U.S. currently consumes about 25% of the world's annual oil production, but holds only about 3% of the world's known reserves. Most of this oil is used for cars and trucks. However, the use of oil for home heating is prevalent throughout the Northeastern U.S. In addition, burning oil generates 8% of our country's electricity.

Below are links to more information on fossil fuel use and alternatives:

1. www.aspencore.org

2. www.cato.org

3. www.dieoff.com

4. www.eia.doe.gov

5. www.hubbertpeak.com

6. www.usgs.gov

Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective method of reducing dependence on foreign oil. According to the American Council on an Energy Efficient Economy, for every dollar that is invested in efficiency, our economy sees a return of one dollar and eighty cents. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, increasing the average vehicle efficiency to 39 mpg would reduce oil usage by as much as 1.3 billion barrels per year.

Domestic drilling is not an effective way to develop energy independence. The proposal to drill in the Arctic Refuge has highlighted this issue. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the amount of oil that is economically retrievable from the area is roughly equal to what the U.S. uses in about six months. Furthermore, if we began drilling today, the oil would still not be available for use until about 2010 (see graph). Renewable energy is local energy, and therefore inherently reduces dependence on foreign oil.

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