The boom in production is being driven by high oil prices and new drilling methods that are allowing energy companies to unlock oil trapped between rocks.

 

U.S. production of oil and other liquid hydrocarbons is on track to rise 7 percent this year to an average of 10.9 million barrels per day. Energy experts say that within just a few years, the United States could top the Saudis.

 

Even if that happens, the U.S. will still need to import lots of oil to meet demand. Americans use 18.7 million barrels per day.

 

North Carolina recently legalized hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, as the state moves toward tapping shale oil reserved believed to sit beneath some areas of the state.

 

Oil production methods have been a flash point in the race for the White House between President Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

 

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Additional information from SGRToday.com