Question

Why does fossil fuel use in the United States make the U.S. vulnerable to the political wishes of foreign countries?
a.
The US is a net exporter of fossil fuels.
b.
Fossil fuels lead to global climate change.
c.
The US imports much of its petroleum from foreign countries which set the prices.
d.
All of the above.

Answer 1

c. The US imports much of its petroleum from foreign countries which set the prices.

Dependence on imported oil gives foreign producers political and economic leverage (through supply cuts or price changes). Option a is incorrect (being a net exporter would reduce that vulnerability), and b is about climate impacts, not political leverage.