Note to students: Before answering the questions, read the "Background" and "Resources" below.

1. By how much has the U.S. reduced its imports of natural gas and crude oil in the past 5 years?

2. How is the reduction in the amount of foreign gas and oil purchased by the U.S. expected to affect other countries selling gas and oil?

3. What has enabled the U.S. to overtake Russia as the largest producer of natural gas, and possibly do the same with crude oil?

4. The U.S., Russia and Saudi Arabia each produce more than twice as much crude daily as which top 3 oil producing countries?

5. What factors could possibly end the shale boom in the U.S.?

6. This is an important issue for all Americans to understand. It means the difference between affordable, inexpensive fuel/electricity prices, or ever-increasing prices and U.S. dependence on other countries for fuel. President Obama and other liberal Democrats oppose fracking because of environmental concerns. Their main priority is their belief that the environment will be harmed by fracking, as well as the use of any fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) that heat our homes, power our cars and provide electricity. They support "renewable energy" (solar, wind, water) only. Conservatives and most Republicans say studies show that the use of fracking or the use fossil fuels do not harm our environment, and providing affordable fuel and power for all Americans is the most important; also, that studies show renewable energy can only provide a very small amount of our energy needs. What do you think?

7. Ask a parent to read this article and the information about fracking. Does he/she support fracking in the U.S.? Why or why not?