North American energy independence
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North American energy independence is a goal of many advocates of enhanced North American economic and physical security seeking primarily to reduce U.S. reliance on (what is to Americans) foreign oil, without increasing fuel taxes. Essentially to achieve "U.S. Energy Independence". This is seen to have various benefits, including:
- Oil extraction resource development of countries friendly to the U.S., i.e. Canada and Mexico
- Limiting oil imperialism to the North American Free Trade Area, reducing exposure to terrorism abroad.
- Lower balance of trade and foreign exchange stresses on the U.S. economy especially as more suppliers may begin to price oil in Euros.
- Development of renewable energy sources to displace fossil fuels.
- Promoting energy conservation and technology (insulation, green roof, efficient lighting) exportable to energy-poor nations.
A number of groups are aggressively pushing for these policies. Prominent among them is the Apollo Alliance, a coalition of businesses, strategists, labor unions, and environmental organizations advocating a ten-point plan for energy independence.
