The United States has had several oil scares throughout its history, most of which turn out to be due to exaggerations of 'a small event. However, these fears highlight a major problem with the United States, namely the United States' dependence on foreign oil. Why is it important that our oil comes from overseas? In a healthy economy this probably wouldn't be as relevant, but the US economy isn't exactly healthy at the moment. There are 4 things I would like to address: what the problem is, how it affects us, what the solutions are, and what solutions seem best to me. Every year the demand for oil increases and the amount produced by the United States decreases while the demand for oil increases. the amount of oil imported by America is increasing. In 1994, oil imported from OPEC members was approximately 1,400,000,000 barrels; in 2008 it was around 2,200,000,000 barrels. The amount of U.S. oil imported from non-OPEC countries was approximately 1,700,000,000 to 3,000,000,000 barrels. According to eia.doe.gov, the United States imported between 4,000,000 and 4,500,000 thousand barrels of oil in 2010. All of this means that the United States imports more than half of all its oil. And at the current rate, the United States spends about $13 million on oil per hour. Furthering its impact on our economy, the NRDC found that approximately one-fifth of our trade deficit comes from imported oil. Every day, the United States loses $390 million to foreign oil, money that could be spent on American infrastructure or to help the United States out of recession. This money will likely not be reinvested in America and will only make our deficit worse. Another problem apart from our expenses is the fact that we import from some very unstable countries...... middle of paper ......>. "How dependent is the United States on foreign oil? | GDS Publishing." Oil and Gas News | GDS Publication. Internet. May 26, 2011. "Oil Imports and Exports - Energy Explained, Your Guide to Understanding Energy." Internet. May 26, 2011. .OPEC: Home. Internet. May 26, 2011. “US Oil – Exports – Economy.” Index Mundi – Facts about the country. Internet. May 26, 2011. “U.S. Crude Oil Imports.” Internet. May 26, 2011. American Energy Information Association. “Total U.S. Crude Oil and Product Imports.” Eia.doe.gov. Internet. May 26 2011. .