America’s Energy Landscape: A Closer Look
There’s been quite a lot of discussion around the shift to renewable energy aimed at saving the planet. Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. Currently, about 80% of our energy still comes from fossil fuels, and, with Trump at the helm, that number hasn’t changed much.
A recent headline from Reuters caught my eye: it mentioned that U.S. crude production is skyrocketing, hitting a record 134.1 billion barrels in 2025. Interesting, right?
The data from the International Energy Agency supports this, highlighting that we’re producing more clean natural gas than ever before. And, why not? The U.S. has the cleanest, cheapest, and most reliable energy resources available. Natural gas, particularly, is more affordable and less land-intensive compared to, well, wind and solar farms that are often seen as obstructive to our beautiful landscapes.
Aren’t we sitting on a $50 trillion treasure trove of energy right under our feet? This vast resource could almost wipe out our national debt if properly utilized. It seems illogical to leave it untouched.
America’s resurgence as an energy powerhouse under Trump really isn’t shocking. It’s part of a trend bolstered by fracking and horizontal drilling, which has increased annual production remarkably.
Even during Biden’s administration, described by some as green, oil and gas production has surged to new levels. This boost is largely linked to the spike in oil prices after he took office. Crude prices hit over $100 in 2022, fluctuating between $70 and $85 thereafter. When oil prices soar, it makes sense that production ramps up, right? If not for Biden’s tighter environmental policies and the cancellation of projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline, production could have been even higher, possibly keeping gas prices lower.
What stands out about the oil production boom during Trump’s presidency is that it occurred even as global oil prices dipped. So, we’re sort of getting the best of both worlds: affordable energy right at our fingertips. In fact, the Energy Information Bureau anticipates that gas prices could drop below $3 per gallon next year. But, if you’re in California, you may still be paying over $5.
Furthermore, there are really vital national security implications tied to this pro-drilling approach. Increased U.S. drilling could lessen profits for countries like Iran and Russia, who don’t exactly align with our values. This is particularly critical since Russia’s economy heavily leans on natural gas exports, which can limit Putin’s power and encourage diplomatic discussions.
This narrative serves as a reminder that policy choices directly impact our lives. Biden’s first executive move was to halt the Keystone XL Pipeline, stalling oil and gas delivery across the nation. In contrast, Trump prioritized oil and gas production as both a national security and economic issue from day one.
Because of these contrasting strategies, we might be looking at a future where the U.S. wields considerable influence over global energy markets and domestic prices.
