Domestic Oil Production Increases, But Does President Obama Deserve Credit?

February 2013 saw the highest level of domestic oil production since 1992.  The United States is currently producing almost as much oil as it imports.  While President Obama has attempted to take credit for this surge in production, several facts contradict his position.  First, numerous officials in the oil industry have commented on the delay in obtaining the necessary permits under President Obama’s administration.  Second, the Obama administration has worked to restrict the availability of offshore drilling.  Third, the number of new wells has decline considerably since 2007.  Fourth, and most importantly, oil production during President Obama’s first term increased on state and private lands, but declined on federal lands.  This is telling because the President has control over federal land and the oil development that occurs on those lands.  So while the President may take credit for booming oil production, it should be noted that the boom is in spite of his administration, not because of it.