Yes, we import far too much crude oil, about 9 MMBPD. But that is upstream of our refineries.
We need more access to federal land and waters. We need permits issued timely and more sensible regulations.
And even if the goal was taking in raw bitumen to create jobs and better trade balance exporting products, would that be bad? It would also leave us in the better position of maintaining surplus refining capacity for when our economy finally turns around and our own demand grows.
See you and I fundamentally agree. We need access to more and less costly energy in order to grow our economy. The O and his ilk will never allow it to occur. The EPA is operating by edicts....none of which are based on science...and the Greenies love it