energy and security in border regions - amazon s3 · energy and security in border regions alan...
Post on 28-Aug-2018
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Some Basics
• Secure and adequate energy resources are critical to the security and well being of every nation. Therefore:
• Access to energy supplies is legitimately a question of national and international security.
• Keep in mind: over 80% of the world’s energy is derived from carbon-based fuels. (oil, coal, gas)
Oil Reality • U.S. Consumes 25% or world’s oil.
• U.S. Imports 66% of its oil. By 2020, we will be importing close to 75%.
• U.S. Spends $313 billion per year on imported oil. • Two thirds of global reserves are in middle east. • By 2030, china will import as much oil as U.S. • U.S. spends approximately $75 billion per year to
maintain military presence in middle east (does NOT include Iraq war).
Security Issues Related to Energy • Supply disruption.
– Political events. – Sabotage. – Accidents.
• Long term declining reserves. • Nuclear proliferation – spread of nuclear
weapons.
U.S.-Mexico • For U.S.-Mexico binational region;
– Cross-border energy trading a reality and growing. – Currently the energy sector unites business
interests on both sides of the border. – But, is divisive for many environmental groups,
NGO’s and some public agencies.
• As interdependence in energy trade increases, concerns of security of supply and reliability will grow.
• If managed properly, energy trade can be a benefit to both sides of border.
• But, unless proper structures and policies are put in place, energy will become a area of friction and tension.
Bad Policy - Good Policy
• Bad: U.S. should become energy independent.
– Not feasible and not needed. • Good: reduce oil imports.
– This means increasing efficiency in the transportation sector. A 20% increase in efficiency would reduce oil imports by 3 million barrels per day. Would end our oil imports from Saudi Arabia.
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