Elon Musk said that the United States needs to immediately increase oil and gas production in order to reduce dependence on supplies from Russia. Despite the move’s negative impact on Tesla, Musk says that sustainable energy “can’t react instantly to offset Russia’s oil and gas exports.”
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many industries have either stopped or suspended activities that would have benefited Vladimir Putin and his country’s economy. However, President Biden and the White House have been criticized for not focusing on US electricity generation in response to the invasion. A Fox News report says the United States is buying 650,000 barrels of oil a day from Russia, effectively funding Russia and Putin as the conflict in Ukraine continues.
The US Energy Information Administration says Russia is the world’s third-largest oil producer, behind only the US and China. According to the agency, Russia accounts for 11 percent of the global market.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that due to the fact that the United States continues to depend on Russian oil, it is necessary to increase domestic oil and gas production. “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures,” Musk said.
Obviously, this will negatively impact Tesla, but sustainable energy solutions simply can’t react instantly to offset Russia’s oil and gas exports.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 5, 2022
Despite the negative effect this increase will have on Tesla, Musk’s automotive and energy company, the CEO was realistic about the short-term needs of the United States. “Obviously this will negatively impact Tesla, but sustainable energy solutions cannot respond instantly to offset Russia’s oil and gas exports.”
Musk’s tweet drew huge attention, including a response from Lauren Bobert, a Republican congresswoman, who suggested that the US strategy to keep buying oil from Russia was actually funding the war.
America is funding Russia’s war by buying Russian oil and gas, not by producing its own.
— Lauren Bobert (@laurenboebert) March 5, 2022
Musk has consistently spoken out in support of Ukraine. Earlier this week, Musk sent SpaceX Starlink Internet satellites to Ukraine, the delivery was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Fedorov.
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Elon Musk says ‘extraordinary times’ require US to increase oil and gas production
