The United States consumed 18.2 million barrels of oil a day in 1996. About half of the oil we consume is produced here in the United States. The rest is imported. While the world holds a finite supply of oil, we're not in danger of running out any time soon. In fact, though we're using more oil, we're also finding more.
New technology makes that possible.
They are in two very different places. The OCS is an area that stretches 200 miles out from the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts. The industry is allowed to explore for and produce oil and natural gas in parts of the OCS but not in others. It is estimated that about half the oil and one-fourth of the natural gas in the OCS region is in these restricted areas. Those who oppose OCS development fear oil spills and other environmental harm.