At the start of the 21st century, the United States relied heavily on imported energy. Today, thanks to the Shale Revolution and American innovation, the U.S. is the largest oil and gas producer and leading LNG exporter.
Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office
February 23, 2026
minute read time
At the beginning of the 21st century, the United States relied heavily on imported energy to meet growing domestic demand. Today, thanks to American innovation and technological breakthroughs, the United States has transformed into the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas and the leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
This surge in domestic energy production sparked a new era for the United States, fundamentally changing how the nation meets its energy needs and engages with the global market.
A Look Back at History
Since 2001, both U.S. energy production and consumption have grown steadily, demonstrating the nation’s ability to meet rising demand while expanding supply. This growth has reinforced America’s role as a global energy supplier and strengthened energy partnerships around the world.
U.S. Natural Gas Market Fundamentals Indexed to 2001, Net Exports
Key Milestones
- In 2017, the United States became a net exporter of LNG.
- In 2025, the United States became the first country to export more than 100 million tons of LNG annually.
Innovation and Efficiency
The way energy is produced in the United States has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Natural gas-directed rig counts peaked in 2008 but have since declined significantly, even as oil and natural gas production continued to rise.
This transformation was made possible by the Shale Revolution—an era of breakthrough technologies including horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing that unlocked vast domestic oil and natural gas resources, dramatically boosting production while improving efficiency.
As a result:
- Energy prices, which surged in the mid-2000s, later stabilized and declined.
- American households, businesses, and manufacturers gained access to more affordable and reliable energy.
- The United States reduced its reliance on imports, strengthening energy security across the nation.
Energy Security and Global Leadership
The Shale Revolution did not just transform domestic energy; it reshaped America’s role in the world. Rising production allowed the United States to expand its presence in global energy markets, with LNG exports reaching countries such as Japan, South Korea, India, and Europe. These exports support allies, strengthen trading partnerships, and enhance global energy security.
With current exports averaging over 16 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), the United States is the largest global exporter of LNG. Based on additional export capacity currently under construction, U.S. LNG exports are on track to double by the early 2030s, positioning the United States as the global leader in LNG exports for the foreseeable future.
North America liquified natural gas export facilities, existing and under construction (2016-2029)
Our Mission and Vision
By combining innovation, efficiency, and abundant resources, the Shale Revolution laid the foundation for American Energy Dominance. It powered domestic economic growth while elevating the United States’ impact in global energy markets.
Building on this breakthrough, the mission of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO) is to unlock the full potential of America’s energy resources—including coal, oil, natural gas, and geothermal—to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy for the nation and the world. Central to this mission is a clear vision: an America that leads the world in energy innovation, powering prosperity, freedom, and human flourishing.
Learn more about HGEO and sign up for news alerts: https://www.energy.gov/hgeo/hydrocarbons-and-geothermal-energy-office