The United States is still beholden to Iran and Saudi Arabia for much of its oil needs. Despite presidents since Jimmy Carter saying we must overcome this dependence, the problem persists due to the difference between American production and that from the Middle East.

Oil Production Differences

While the US mostly produces light, sweet crude from shale formations, the Middle East largely supplies heavier, higher-sulfur crude. Old US refineries were not built to process heavier crude, and building new ones would cost billions of dollars and be hampered by environmental laws.

Some consider new refineries a bad financial risk as the country shifts toward renewable energy and electric vehicles. However, this sounds like defeatism. President Trump has urged the UK’s new prime minister to tap more light, sweet crude from the North Sea, which could massively boost the UK economy.

Environmental Concerns and Alternative Solutions

Far-left environmentalists have set the agenda, depriving the US of oil from offshore California and Florida. Critics raise the specter of oil spills and damage to wildlife and beaches, but improved technology has reduced the likelihood of such events. The alternative is continued spending of billions of dollars and the cost in human lives while trying to keep the oil flowing from the Persian Gulf region.

Iran has the US over an oil barrel, betting Democrats will take over Congress and deny the president funds to continue targeting their country. Depending on who you ask, the US naval blockade seems to be working, but Iran’s economy is in shambles, and the ayatollahs do not care about their people.

Putting Democrats back in a congressional majority won’t solve the problem. Gas prices and inflation were higher during the Biden administration. If the US is forced to stop attacking Iran due to lack of funds, Iran is likely to resume its effort to create a nuclear weapon and the rockets to deliver them to Israel and the US.

Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.