The U.S. imported less energy in 2013 than it has in more than 20 years, according to data released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). EIA said oil and natural gas production growth displaced imports and drove higher exports of petroleum products. Net energy imports decreased 19% between 2012 and 2013. Crude oil production grew 15% over that time period, leading to a 12% drop in oil imports.
Such statistics are likely to embolden those who support lifting the U.S. ban on crude oil exports. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) on Tuesday released a report explaining how a change in the government’s definition of crude oil might legalize exports of condensates.
