Behind the Poll
The United States has long been dependent on foreign countries for its energy needs. However, with the development of new technologies and the exploitation of domestic resources, some believe that the United States can become energy independent.
Those who support energy independence argue that it would reduce America’s dependence on unstable or hostile regimes, increase national security, and create jobs and economic growth. They also contend that the United States has enough resources to meet its energy needs without relying on imports.
Opponents of energy independence argue that it is not possible for the United States to produce all the energy it needs domestically. They point out that even if the United States could become energy independent, it would be too expensive and would require too much investment in new infrastructure. They also believe that energy independence would not reduce dependence on unstable regimes, but would actually increase it by making the United States more reliant on its own resources.