WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. energy security should trump energy independence for lawmakers concerned about the country's long-term future, an analysis finds.
A report from consulting firm Deloitte recommends that U.S. lawmakers think more about the security of energy supplies than advocating strict energy independence.
The report said there is already a significant amount of energy independence in most sectors of the U.S. economy, noting the transportation sector is "really the only sector that remains dependent on imports."
Deloitte calls for a "prudent" strategy for the development of domestic onshore and offshore oil and gas reserves. Policymakers, meanwhile, should support legislation that encourages a greater use of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.
In terms of imports, the report recommends a closer U.S. relationship with "friendly" crude oil suppliers in the region like Canada and Mexico.
Branko Terzic, the report's author, said improved technologies in the energy sector could lead to a shift in the supplier mix and "increase potential supplies from existing friendly sources."
Deloitte concludes that energy security, not energy independence, is a more realistic goal for U.S. policymakers.
