American oil production is experiencing a resurgence, just three years after it collapsed during the pandemic. Energy companies are now producing a record 13.2 million barrels a day, surpassing Russia and Saudi Arabia. Analysts expect another 500,000 barrels a day increase next year.

This surge has led to a decrease in gasoline prices, which have fallen nearly $2 a gallon since the summer of 2022. Additionally, the United States now exports roughly four million barrels a day, with much of it going to Europe and Asia due to tight supplies.

The increase in production has helped alleviate the energy crisis in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and has provided the Biden administration with greater leverage in negotiations with oil-exporting countries. Nonetheless, it has also raised concerns about an increase in demand for fossil fuels at a time when global leaders are striving to combat climate change.

Though Biden campaigned on a platform that promised to transition to renewable energy sources, he has taken a different approach as president, approving large drilling projects and permits to increase domestic oil production in an effort to lower consumer prices. However, these moves are at odds with the global effort to curb carbon emissions.

Despite the benefits to American consumers and the economy, this resurgence in oil production poses risks in terms of climate change and the environment, which will need to be addressed.