yep thats why i put "~". youre absolutely correct but also in a pinch the us could fast track getting dirty athabasca sands oil in and mixing it with shale to get something more ingestable by our plant.

i would not be surprised if being ready for such a scenario + knowlege of shale reserve limitations is why those plants aren't kicked over so long as the trannsshipment for refining doesnt remain cost prohibitive.