U.S. Oil Reserves and Production

The United States holds one of the world's largest oil reserves, with significant deposits in Texas, North Dakota, and Alaska. Innovations in drilling have unlocked shale reserves, reshaping the global energy landscape.

Texas leads in oil production with the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale. These fields have produced oil since the early 20th century and continue to be developed with modern techniques.

North Dakota's Bakken Shale formation surged in the 2000s. Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have made it one of America's largest oil sources, despite its remote location.

Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and National Petroleum Reserve hold billions of barrels of untapped oil. However, environmental concerns and indigenous rights pose significant exploration challenges.

U.S. offshore drilling, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, has expanded with advanced technology. The Outer Continental Shelf may hold vast reserves, but deepwater drilling remains controversial due to environmental risks.

Surprisingly, Los Angeles was once a major oil producer, with thousands of wells operating within the city limits from the 1890s to mid-20th century.