"President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address Tuesday night to tout “a revolution in American energy” that has made the U.S. “a net exporter” -- but some of his celebration might be premature.

Although the U.S. briefly became a net petroleum exporter during one week last November, government analysts say it will be at least September 2020 before it claims that title on a steady basis, by shipping out more energy than it imports on an annual basis. The nation is already a net exporter of coal and natural gas.

Trump’s brief salute to U.S. fossil fuel dominance -- one passing mention in a speech expected that lasted more than hour -- also invoked a milestone that was partially achieved before he won the White House, under former President Barack Obama."

Jennifer A Dlouhy reports for Bloomberg February 5, 2019. [2]