Venezuela Is a Win for America, a Loss for Canada
The Venezuela operation is a win for America. Consumers and businesses will benefit from lower prices, while oil companies will have a chance to earn higher profits. It also simultaneously supports American national security while undermining our greatest rival, China. But the biggest loser of all is Canada.
Western Canada sends over four million barrels a day of heavy crude to American refiners that are equipped to handle this type of oil. But now, with access to the massive flows of Venezuelan crude, which is similar to the Canadian flavor, the US no longer needs to rely on Canada to keep the refineries on the Gulf of America running at full capacity.
Instead, the oil shipments that previously went to China can now be redirected to American refiners, and don’t be surprised if the black gold comes in at a discount. After all, President Trump said the US will be running Venezuela, and that includes the oil industry.
Since energy security is national security, access to ample, reliable flows of oil represents a key strategic interest. Removing one such flow from the Chinese sphere of influence and bringing it into our own is........
