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We're energy independent in the 1970's sense, which is when the term originated. We are no longer subject to the sort of oil embargo OPEC initiated in 1973 over Western nations' support of Israel, because the West now has sufficient capacity to plug any gap in supply.

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I'm not sure about that. The US still consumes a lot more than it produces. It might be the largest oil producer by a little, but it is the largest oil consumer by a lot. Looks like, net of exports, US production needs to rise several million barrels a day more to be really capable of meeting its own supply. Unless you are thinking of other Western countries that have enough surplus to cover the difference for the rest?

Relevant data: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_sum_snd_d_nus_mbblpd_m_cur....

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