2. National Security
Political disturbances in the Middle East have often impacted the US economy adversely, at a time when no fuel alternatives existed; but recent technologic advances have created an opportunity for the US to become independent of foreign influences.
2.1: Diminished Domestic Oil Wells
Since major early oil discoveries like Spindletop, Texas has been unable to surpass its 1970s production levels, the same has been true for the US as a whole, despite an increase in world oil production since that time (Table 2.1.1a-b). Years of gluttony and squandering have substantially diminished domestic oil production, leaving the US dependent on the Middle East and foreign oil imports in order to sustain our current petroleum transportation infrastructure.
Political disturbances in the Middle East have often impacted the US economy adversely, at a time when no fuel alternatives existed; but recent technologic advances have created an opportunity for the US to become independent of foreign influences.
2.1: Diminished Domestic Oil Wells
Since major early oil discoveries like Spindletop, Texas has been unable to surpass its 1970s production levels, the same has been true for the US as a whole, despite an increase in world oil production since that time (Table 2.1.1a-b). Years of gluttony and squandering have substantially diminished domestic oil production, leaving the US dependent on the Middle East and foreign oil imports in order to sustain our current petroleum transportation infrastructure.
Note: Texas oil production has declined 58% through 2012, since peaking in 1972.
Slight increase in production around 2010 due to new technology used for extracting natural gas and oil from shale formations.
Source: http://www.eia.gov/cfapps/ipdbproject/IEDIndex3.cfm?tid=5&pid=53&aid=1
Slight increase in production around 2010 due to new technology used for extracting natural gas and oil from shale formations.
Source: http://www.eia.gov/cfapps/ipdbproject/IEDIndex3.cfm?tid=5&pid=53&aid=1
Shale formations that initially made large quantities of natural gas commercially inaccessible, due to their components, are now economically feasible because of recent innovations in technology. Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are used jointly to increase the permeability of a shale formation and increase its exposed surface area, respectively. Hydraulic fracturing is a stimulation treatment performed on shale rock to increase permeability and conductivity. The process injects a large amount of water, under extreme pressure, along with a combination of sand and chemicals, depending on the porosity of the formation. Horizontally drilled wells create vertical fissures in the formation, increasing the exposed surface area, and are held open by injected grains of sand until the process is complete. Natural gas is then able to flow unobstructed (figure 2.1.2).
Hydraulic Fracturing: A View from Underground
Hydraulic Fracturing: A View from Underground
Note: How deep below the ground horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing take place. The number of fissures that can be developed from one well
Source: ProPublica - https://www.propublica.org/special/hydraulic-fracturing-national
Source: ProPublica - https://www.propublica.org/special/hydraulic-fracturing-national
Over the years the amount of US natural gas proved reserves has increased dramatically, and estimated to last for another 100 years with current levels of consumption (figure 2.1.3). Texas has a large amount of domestic wells, and as technology continues to advance we will be able to access even more natural gas locked under hard shale formations (figure 2.1.4). Increases in vehicle efficiency can ensure that we have more then 100 years of natural gas supply.
Source: http://1m5rjm4bgenp2600za110opvl3h.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2014/12/NatGasReserves_1979_2013_v2.jpg
Natural Gas Wells in Texas
Note: MCF: million cubic feet
Source: http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2013/08/20/mapped-where-natural-gas-is-in-texas
Source: http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2013/08/20/mapped-where-natural-gas-is-in-texas