The Biden administration is facing criticism over the depletion of US oil reserves, with accusations that the strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) are being used as a political tool in an election year. Figures analyzed by Fox News reveal that the SPR experienced its most significant drawdowns during President Biden's tenure, resulting in a decline of 274 million barrels by March 2023.

In April 2022, the White House celebrated the sale of the first 30 million barrels of oil from the SPR, which was seen as an unprecedented move during an election year. This was followed by the Energy Department's announcement of a planned liquidation of 1 million barrels from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR) to lower summertime gas prices.

Critics of the administration argue that the depletion of oil reserves is a result of Biden's cancellation of transcontinental pipeline projects and executive actions affecting energy production, leading to soaring gas prices. Former President Trump and Republicans point out that gas prices had been around $2 per gallon during the prior administration.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm defended the administration's actions, stating that the sale of oil reserves was aimed at slashing consumer costs and ensuring sufficient supply flows to meet the demands of hardworking Americans, especially during the summer travel season.

Fox News analysis revealed that the SPR's historical decline in reserves has been overseen by multiple presidents, including Clinton and Trump. During President Biden's term, the oil reserves have decreased by more than quadruple the figure of previous administrations, with a net decrease of 274 million barrels from January 2021 to March 2023. These numbers do not include the selloffs announced in May.

According to a Congressional Research Service report, the drawdowns in SPR reserves are permissible, and they should not always be characterized as politically motivated. Congress itself has the authority to mandate oil reserve sales to fund legislative priorities.

However, congressional Republicans have accused President Biden of playing politics with America's energy security. Wyoming Senator John Barrasso and Washington Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers criticized the administration, stating that the SPR has reached its lowest level since 1983 and accusing Biden of attempting to influence the midterm elections with the oil release.

In response to the criticism, Representative McMorris-Rodgers introduced the Strategic Production Response Act, which would limit SPR drawdowns until Congress can provide oversight and prohibit depletion for nonemergency purposes. The bill has already passed the House.

As the debate continues over the depletion of US oil reserves, the Biden administration maintains that their actions are aimed at reducing consumer costs and ensuring energy security for the American people. Critics, however, argue that these actions are politically motivated and question the long-term implications of depleting the nation's strategic petroleum reserves.