North American energy independence - Definition

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. 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 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.