Biden's Depletion of Strategic Oil Reserve Raises Concerns

The Biden administration's aggressive drawdowns from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) have drawn scrutiny, with critics alleging political motivations and risks to energy security. An analysis by Fox News reveals the SPR has seen its most significant decline under President Biden, raising questions about the administration's long-term strategy.

The Biden administration's unprecedented release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has sparked controversy, with concerns raised over its impact on energy security and allegations of political motivations.

Biden's Depletion of Strategic Oil Reserve Raises Concerns

In April 2022, the White House announced the sale of 30 million barrels from the SPR, followed by a planned liquidation of 1 million barrels in May to lower summertime gas prices.

Fox News' analysis of SPR data reveals that the reserve has experienced its most sweeping drawdowns during Biden's tenure. Since 2021, a net decrease of 274 million barrels has occurred, quadrupling the drawdown overseen by the Trump administration.

Biden's Depletion of Strategic Oil Reserve Raises Concerns

While previous presidents have also drawn from the SPR, Biden's releases have been more extensive. Following the 1980 election, the SPR contained 112.5 million barrels, increasing to nearly 450 million barrels by the end of President Reagan's term.

During Operation Desert Storm, 21 million barrels were depleted, and 11 million were utilized following Hurricane Katrina. Presidents Clinton, Bush Sr., Bush Jr., and Obama also saw reductions in SPR reserves during their presidencies.

Biden's Depletion of Strategic Oil Reserve Raises Concerns

Congressional Republicans have accused Biden of playing politics with America's energy security by using SPR drawdowns to influence midterm elections and distract from his energy policy failures.

Washington Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers authored the Strategic Production Response Act to limit SPR drawdowns without congressional oversight and prohibit depletion for "nonemergency purposes."

Biden's Depletion of Strategic Oil Reserve Raises Concerns

The White House has defended its use of the SPR, claiming it has protected energy security and lowered gas prices for Americans.

However, critics argue that the White House is weakening a critical energy security tool and that the SPR should only be used in emergencies.

Biden's Depletion of Strategic Oil Reserve Raises Concerns

The Energy Department and White House have declined to comment further on the matter.

In 2019, then-President Trump attempted to fill the SPR when oil prices were low, but was blocked by Democrats, who argued that it was a "bailout for Big Oil."

The current administration's opposition to McMorris-Rodgers' bill, which would limit SPR drawdowns, further highlights the differing perspectives on the reserve's role.

As the Biden administration navigates the challenges of energy security, the future of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and its potential for political exploitation remain key concerns.