That's a 100% complete lie. And you know it lib  

Do you understand the concept of energy independent????

It wouldn't make one bit of difference what the output of OPEC is, was, or will be.

In a market economy, you purchase at the least expense to maximise your gain. If and it's a big IF you can buy something for less than your own available resources, then buying it elsewhere makes your own supply more valuable.

We were exporting energy

Yes. And?

Here's something for you to think about- a mutually beneficial commercial relationship tends to align interests to the same ends. Some energy exporting countries disagree or are actually hostile to American interests. The capital gained in the sale limits, modifys their politics.

If and when those ineterest diverge, then using our own resources, preserved and available, allows our independent actions. The "oil weapon" loses some of its edge...