Oil and natural gas have long been central pillars of the United States’ energy system, playing a pivotal role in powering the nation’s economy, transportation networks, and industrial capabilities. As the two largest primary energy sources in the country, they supply the majority of the fuel that moves goods and people, heats homes, and supports manufacturing, petrochemicals, and countless essential products. Their importance is not only rooted in their abundance and established infrastructure, but also in the reliability and high energy density they offer compared to many alternatives.

Today, oil and natural gas are positioned within an evolving energy landscape marked by growing renewable generation, technological innovation, and shifting policy priorities. While wind, solar, and other clean energy resources continue to expand, oil and gas remain indispensable, providing baseload power, balancing intermittent sources, and underpinning sectors that currently lack scalable substitutes.