Americans will also be exposed to a greater reliance on foreign imports especially those from the Middle East. This increases the likelihood that US armed forces will be sent to defend oil resources in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. While its important to maintain the sovereignty of these nations and the security of their oil supplies, it also important to diversify our country's reliance on this supply and to maintain this security with an international police force. For the US oil and gas industry, the forecast means that the US companies will increase their emphasis on international oil exploration and development. These international activities are important in helping to diversify our sources of oil.
Natural gas has the added benefit as the most environmentally attractive fossil fuel.
The next millennium could be the golden age of natural gas for the US and the world.