Altogether the United States received imports from eight countries in 2004, while it exported natural gas to three
countries (Figure 1). Net U.S. imports equaled approximately 15 percent of all domestic demand, a portion that has remained relatively constant since 1999. [Why are we importing all our natural gas from the Middle East when we could be purchasing it from our South American friends? Carlyle Group?? Why is most of our natural gas coming from Trindad/Tobago, Oman, Australia, Algeria, Malaysia, Qatar, and Nigeria? What deals has this government made on our behalf?]