In the contiguous United States, in what year did oil production peak?

In the contiguous United States, in what year did oil production peak?

• A. 1965
• B. 1970
• C. 1980
• D. 1990

Answer: (B)

The key idea is when the productive wells in the contiguous United States reached their highest output. In the lower 48 states, crude oil production climbed through the mid-20th century as fields in Texas, Oklahoma, California, and nearby areas were developed. It reached its peak around 1970, when output hovered near 9 to 10 million barrels per day. After that, production declined as the big, easy-to-access fields matured and new discoveries slowed, even though U.S. total oil production later rose again due to shale in the 2000s and 2010s. Since the question is about the contiguous states, the peak year is 1970.

The key idea is when the productive wells in the contiguous United States reached their highest output. In the lower 48 states, crude oil production climbed through the mid-20th century as fields in Texas, Oklahoma, California, and nearby areas were developed. It reached its peak around 1970, when output hovered near 9 to 10 million barrels per day. After that, production declined as the big, easy-to-access fields matured and new discoveries slowed, even though U.S. total oil production later rose again due to shale in the 2000s and 2010s. Since the question is about the contiguous states, the peak year is 1970.