Meaning: The quote highlights the significant increase in America's dependence on imported crude oil over the past few decades and the impact it has had on gas prices. It also emphasizes the absence of a comprehensive national energy policy as a contributing factor to the current situation. To fully understand the implications of this quote, it is important to explore the historical context and the various factors that have led to the doubling of America's crude oil imports and the lack of a comprehensive national energy policy.

In 1973, the United States imported 30 percent of its crude oil needs. This was a time of significant change in the global oil market, as the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) announced an oil embargo targeting countries that were supporting Israel in the Yom Kippur War. This led to a sharp increase in oil prices and highlighted the vulnerability of countries, like the United States, that heavily relied on imported oil. The oil crisis of 1973 served as a wake-up call for the U.S. government and prompted efforts to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

However, despite these efforts, the quote points out that America's crude oil imports have doubled to more than 60 percent today. This dramatic increase can be attributed to several factors, including the growth in domestic oil consumption, the decline in domestic oil production, and the ongoing reliance on foreign sources of oil. The rise in oil imports has made the United States more susceptible to global oil market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, which in turn have contributed to the volatility of gas prices.

The quote also draws attention to the absence of a comprehensive national energy policy as a contributing factor to the current situation. A comprehensive national energy policy would involve a coordinated and strategic approach to addressing the country's energy needs, including reducing dependence on foreign oil, promoting renewable energy sources, and enhancing energy efficiency. Without such a policy, the United States has struggled to effectively manage its energy resources and address the challenges posed by its increasing reliance on imported oil.

It is important to note that the lack of a comprehensive national energy policy is not solely responsible for the increase in crude oil imports and high gas prices. Other factors, such as geopolitical instability in oil-producing regions, fluctuations in global oil demand and supply, and environmental regulations, also play significant roles in shaping the energy landscape. However, the absence of a coherent and long-term energy strategy has undoubtedly hindered the country's ability to mitigate the impact of these external factors on its energy security and affordability.

In conclusion, the quote by Gary Miller underscores the significant shift in America's crude oil imports over the past few decades and the impact it has had on gas prices. It highlights the absence of a comprehensive national energy policy as a contributing factor to the current situation. Understanding the historical context and the complex interplay of factors that have led to the doubling of crude oil imports is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by America's increasing reliance on foreign oil and the need for a coherent and forward-thinking energy strategy.