Global oil production: Saudi Arabia and Russia are
matched at 7.7 million barrels a day. The big surprise is that the
U.S. is the third largest producer at 5.7 million barrels a day.
Global
natural gas production: Russia at 22 trillion cubic feet followed by
the U.S. at 19 trillion. No other country even comes close. Canada,
number three, is only 6 trillion.
American energy consumption:
Very stable. While population has increased 28% since 1980, energy
consumption has only increased 25% for a net reduction in per-capita
energy use.
Moreover, petroleum use has grown the least in that time
15% while nuclear (300%) and coal (50%), both domestic, have grown the
most.
We consume 100 trillion BTUs and produce 70 trillion. A thirty percent reduction would make us energy independent. We don't need a full 30% reduction because Canada, Norway, Mexico and a few other countries are reliable energy suppliers.
I'm going to do my part to get off oil. I'm saving money to buy a plug-in-Toyota Prius, probably available in three years. Based on my driving habits, that will take me off oil altogether. (pp584,585 & 592)