U.S.A. Back On Top!

According to the International Energy Agency, the United States will overtake Saudi Arabia and Russia as the world's top oil producer by 2017!  Now let's go after the steam engine crown!

As U.S. oil import numbers continue to fall (currently at about 20%), they should become a net oil exporter by around 2030, and almost self-sufficient in energy by 2035. Energy economists also see the United States overtaking Russia as the biggest gas producer by 2015 (though we already lead the world significantly in windbags).  The natural gas figure may have more importance because of the cleaner and cheaper alternative it offers to oil.  And as a dwindling and finite resource, producing the most oil will soon be like having the most video cassettes.

The one clear positive (beyond the backslapping for being number one), is that it could mark a shift in U.S. involvement in the Middle East.  Yes, safeguarding trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz would still be important, but a far reduced presence in the province would be generally beneficial.  Unless you're Haliburton, but fuck those thieves.