Statement on U.S. Being World’s Top Crude Oil Producer

WASHINGTON — Today the Energy Information Administration reported that the United States produced more crude oil than any nation at any time for the past six years in a row. To capitalize on the surge in crude oil production, which is fueled by exports to global markets, U.S. oil export terminal operators are rushing to boost their capacity to service the largest tankers in the world (known as Very Large Crude Carriers, or VLCCs) that can transport 2 million barrels of oil to foreign nations by constructing deepwater ports in the Gulf of Mexico.

There are three proposed offshore oil export projects — Texas GulfLink, Blue Marlin, and Bluewater Texas — that are contingent on approval from the Biden administration, which has pledged to reduce climate-warming emissions and protect environmental justice communities. New oil export terminals and infrastructure are sited in low-income communities, communities of color, and on Indigenous lands due to decades of economic disenfranchisement and systemic racism. Greenhouse gas emissions from new offshore oil export facilities and associated onshore infrastructure will push the world closer to climate catastrophe at a time when it is clear we need to phase out fossil fuels to avoid more tragic climate disasters like fires, hurricanes, and heat waves. 

Kelsey Crane, senior policy advocate at Earthworks said:

“Gulf Coast residents and the climate are already being harmed by crude oil. More oil production means more greenhouse gasses, more toxic pollution, more fossil fuel infrastructure, and more disregard for human life. If Biden is serious about climate change, environmental justice, and keeping energy prices low, the U.S. cannot build new oil infrastructure.”