Eye on the Market | October 22, 2012 J.P Morgan The most important energy developments of 2012: how countries are planning for Independence Day I:_ What might US energy independence look like? Rising crude oil production in Texas and North Dakota has contributed to a reversal of the long-term US production decline. The latest data (June 2012) show North Dakota now ahead of Alaska’s North Slope. Crude oil production by region Total US crude oil production Million barrels crude oil production per day Million barrels crude oil production per day 25 9.5 Ss 8.5 2.0 —- Texas ° a-ha 1.0 : 6.5 05 Federal Offshore 55 Gulf of Mexico North Dakota 0.0 45 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 Source: US Energy Information Administration. Source: US Energy Information Administration. The growth in US domestic production is notable, but on its own insufficient to result in energy independence since the US still imports ~9 mm bpd of oil. But when combined with other factors affecting demand and supply, the concept of energy independence comes into view over the next couple of decades. What is “energy independence”? After some adjustments (and I may be underestimating some of them), US net imports could fall to 4-5 mm bpd, a level which can be met by imports from countries with historically reliable economic and political linkages to the US (everything is relative). The point is not that reduced US crude imports will lower oil prices; countries like China with growing oil needs may offset that. What matters here are the economic and geopolitical benefits from (a) not having to design military and foreign policy objectives based on energy security to the degree the US has over the last 30 years’, and (b) being able to reap the growth, employment and current account benefits of domestically sourced-oil and natural gas. What US energy independence might look like US net crude oil imports, million barrels per day 10 So] == = = = ==, Oil imported for refined product