Today, we import much of our oil from Canada and Mexico. This is good for us because we have friendly relations with our neighbors, and because the oil doesn't have to be shipped so far. Still, the amount of oil that we can import from Canada and Mexico is limited. By law, Mexico can only export half the oil it produces to the United States. Even with the SPR and friends in the right places, the United States is not out of the woods.
Some economists believe the United States is setting itself up for another oil crisis.
Still, there are more steps we can take to help ensure our energy security. Some experts believe we should decrease our demand for oil through increased conservation. Still others say we should use alternative fuels, especially for transportation. Some experts believe will need to do all three to dodge another big oil crisis. Then there is petroleum for running factories or manufacturing goods.