Article by US Govt Energy Info Admin.
Following declines in all but one year from 1986 to 2008, U.S. oil production (crude oil and lease condensate) increased in 2009 and again in 2010. Due in part to Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, average production dipped below 5.0 million barrels per day (bbl/d) in 2008, then climbed to 5.4 million bbl/d in 2009 and 5.5 million bbl/d in 2010, with 2010 volumes representing an 11 percent increase over 2008.
The article shows the growth due to oil Shale formations. The Bakken alone is responsible for much of the recovery. The Eagle Ford formation (in Texas) has about as much potential as the Bakken, maybe more, and there are several other oil shale formations with substantial potential (although, alas, mostly to produce methane). Also we have lost production from the Gulf over the past year.
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