evidence: The United States is one of the largest crude oil producing countries About 100 countries produce crude oil. The United States was the top crude oil producing country in 2018 through 2022. U.S. oil refineries obtain crude oil produced in the United States and in other countries. [...] Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a way to produce oil from shale and other tight underground rock layers. Fracking has helped the United States to increase oil production and reduce oil imports a lot in recent years. However, this method has effects on the environment. Fracturing rock uses large amounts of water and may use chemicals that could be harmful to humans and animals. Faulty well construction and improper handling may result in leaks and spills of fracking liquids. In some areas of the country, large amounts of water used for oil production may affect the availability of water for other uses, including for the plants and animals that live in and close to nearby rivers and streams.