The Gulf of Mexico area, both onshore and offshore, is one of the most important regions for energy resources and infrastructure. Gulf of Mexico offshore oil production accounts for 29 percent of total U.S. crude oil production and offshore natural gas production in the Gulf accounts for 12 percent of total U.S. production. Over 40 percent of total U.S. petroleum refining capacity is located along the Gulf coast, as well as almost 30 percent of total U.S. natural gas processing plant capacity.

http://www.eia.gov/special/gulf_of_mexico/index.cfm

                图中4个粉红色圆圈代表战略石油储备基地，墨西哥湾内的深红色散点是美国的油气平台