It is important that America takes immediate action to reduce its dependence on foreign oil. If America continues to have a large demand for it, it will create a threat to the country's economy and national security. There are three main actions America could take to reduce its dependence on foreign oil: oil drilling in Alaska, offshore oil drilling, and natural gas drilling. America's dependence on foreign oil is a threat to its economy. America wastes $200,000 a minute and $13 million an hour relying on it (Natural Resources Defense Council, p. 1). Gasoline consumption has led to increased oil costs that are passed on to consumers at the pump, through more expensive goods and services, and in a weaker job market and lower stock prices (Natural Resources Defense Council, p. 3). Therefore, if current trends in oil demand and prices continue, the economic impacts for the United States will intensify. It is possible for America to reduce its dependence on foreign oil, but the oil industries and other monopolies have paid Congress to eliminate competition (Worthington, p. 1). Legal monopolies target the market effects of foreign oil, which increases profits, while the American government forces them. Unfortunately, these de jure monopolies have kept America in a dirty fuel monopoly that was set up to end its only competition to create a government-granted monopoly (Worthington, p. 1). As for national security, by importing more and more oil every year, there is an increase in demand and a decrease in domestic production. The United States can become safer by strengthening labor on farms and factories to reduce our thirst for foreign oil (Natural Resources Defens...... middle of paper ......es revenue from the sale of offshore charters and helps gain political support for energy and climate legislation (Broder, p. 2). The political response to offshore drilling is positively endorsed. The offshore oil drilling plan is considered a new chapter in the national quest for a accessible energy policy that can free up new areas for oil and gas expansion. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has said he hopes to rebalance the nation's oil and gas policy to block oil exploration on virtually all public lands and waters (Broder, p 3) The option introduced, in addition to dependence on foreign oil and the reduction of oil imports, was the use of biofuels. This may lead to an increase in the purchase of hybrid cars for the automotive industry the amount of foreign oil imported from America.