Is the United States energy independent?The simple answer is no –But that could be changing.In fact, according to a report released every year by the U.S. EIA, We meNot only be close toUS oil independence but a few decades away from achieving full American energy independence and becoming an energy exporter.

The thought of a self-sufficient America is enough to get anyone excited. For decades we have been dependent on foreign oil.But, thanks to continued efficiency gains in things like shale oil production does appear that energy independence is off in the distance.

US oil production has surged since 2008.

Image Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Here are the 3 stops stocks today to invest in this tectonic shift.

US Net Imports of Oil Chart

US Net Imports of Oil data by YCharts

Kinder Morgan

  1. Analysis -Tie metric into Bull Case. - Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in the United States. In order to be energy independent, we will need to infrastructure to move things like natural gas and oil to where it is needed in a timely manner. 
    1. Bears think this of the metric. -- Bears have constantly hounded Kinder Morgan for its dividend cut, a byproduct of capital markets freezing up in 2015 towards anything that had to do with oil and natural gas. 
  1. Conclusion -things are going good/bad. But things are looking up for both US Energy Independence and Kinder Morgan. 
    1. Company has this initiative going on

Range Resources

  1. Analysis -Tie metric into Bull Case. Range Resources owns oil in the X Region, one of the most active oil production regions 
    1. Bears think this of the metric. Range has been in the red since the downturn began in 2015. However, it has proven itself to be a strong enough operator to actually do more with less -- production continues to surge. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/315852/000156459017019883/rrc-10q_20170930.htm#ITEM2_MANAGEMENT_DISCUSSION
  1. Conclusion -things are going good/bad. Management continues to expect 
    1. Range continues to expand production and drive down costs per barrel. 

Apache Corp.

  1. Analysis -Tie metric into Bull Case. Apache has been one of the true leaders of the US shale revolution. Production has expanded, costs have dropped, and the company was even free-cash-flow positive last year. 
    1. Bears think this of the metric. Naturally, no one likes to see losses and companies like Apache and the other companies mentioned above are sewing the seeds of their own doom by continuing to expand oil production. However, Apache has proven that it can lower costs and generate cash from operations. 
  1. Conclusion -things are going good/bad. Apache is primed for a rebound as a market leader of the shale revolution. 
    1. Company has this initiative going on -- expanding production and continuing to pay a dividend as proof of its status as a company at the forefront of US Energy independence.