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| Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil |
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Decreasing our dependence on foreign oil
is a critical issue facing our government at all levels. During the 1970s the U.S.
imported approximately 35 percent of its oil supply; by 2005 that figure increased to
approximately 65 percent imported from foreign nations (Source: Energy Information
Administration).
America can achieve a more secure energy future. And propane will help us reach that
goal in many ways.
(click to enlarge)
Most propane (also known as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG) consumed in the United
States is domestically produced. It is a by-product of natural gas processing and
petroleum refining, with approximately equal amounts of production derived from each
of these sources.
All told, propane currently supplies about four percent of U.S. energy needs, but the
potential is there to supply much, much more. Fortunately, nearly 90 percent of U.S.
propane supplies are produced at existing domestic facilities. Another seven percent
comes from Canada, making propane a very secure energy resource. With the world's
largest propane storage capacity, the U.S. is well positioned to compete for growing
supplies of propane being produced with the expanding global trade of liquefied
natural gas.
Simply increasing the use of this affordable fuel in select vehicle fleets by a mere
10 percent could displace nearly one billion gallons of gasoline by the year 2017,
reducing our country's dependence on foreign oil in a big way.
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