JSPES, Vol. 26, No. 3 (Fall 2001 )
pp. 515-542

United States Energy Security
Gawdat Bahgat

Shortly after taking office, President George W. Bush established the National Energy Policy Development Group (NED), headed by Vice President Dick Cheney, to examine the "energy crisis" the United States faces. On May 17th, the president presented the recommendations of the NEPDG, the main theme of which is the need to diversify the fuel sources and geographic sources of energy. This study examines the history and outlook of fossil fuels, and analyzes various energy strategies to enhance U.S. energy security. For the foreseeable future oil will continue to play a significant role in the energy mix and the Persian Gulf will retain its strategic importance for U.S. energy security.