There is no such thing as “energy independence”
Since we do not produce the 20 million+ bbls per day. Yes, we are not “independent”.
The US imports 10mmb/d, exports 7.5mmb/d, produces 12mmb/d, and consumes 20mmb/d. Do you have a point to make?
Except for some anomalies the US pays the world market price. Because in the US there is no “we” as in “we have lots of oil”. Private companies and people own oil and are free to sell it to the highest bidder whether that is in the US or abroad.