The prospect of becoming an energy-independent nation has captured the minds of many Americans, including politicians, in the past decade. While energy independence is not likely in the short term, and not probable in the long term, the United States' recent surge in crude oil production has led to a decline in net imports of energy.
Technological innovation drives this growth, as hydraulic fracturing has allowed companies, including expected beneficiaries ExxonMobil
Source: Infographic from UG Center -- Section Eagle Ford.