This chart is from the US Energy Information Agency (EIA). These are official government data not industry group or academic figures. These five states produce 56% of the nation's crude oil. Notice that the bulk of production gains comes from Texas and North Dakota. Though barely visible on the chart Oklahoma did manage to increase its output in 2011, the first increase since 1998. Almost all of Texas' increase came from the Eagle Ford Shale, on private lands where the Obama administration is trying to curtail drilling citing danger to the sand dune lizard. All of North Dakota's increase came from the Bakken Shale, again on private lands. California production is at its lowest level in 30 years and Alaska's output declined again in 2011 for the ninth consecutive year.
Keep this chart in mind the next time you hear the White House bragging about increasing oil production.
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