The concept of the United States being energy independent has been around for decades, with the past 8 US presidents calling for it and even suggesting dates by when it might be achieved. However, the recent ramp up in domestic oil and gas production has drastically reduced oil imports and rejuvenated the discussion, with some believing the long sought-after goal could finally be around the corner.

Some have suggested that North American energy independence – including petroleum exports – is a more realistic pursuit. Others maintain energy security is what really matters and that it’s impossible and even undesirable to disconnect the US from the global oil market.

These issues are the topic of discussion in this second video segment of a panel Breaking Energy hosted with prominent oil and gas market experts, Michael Lynch, President and Director of Global Petroleum Service with Strategic Energy Economic Research and David Rewcastle, Senior Energy Analyst with Source Capital Group.