U.S. shale oil production refers to the extraction of oil from shale rock formations using advanced techniques like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. This method has significantly increased the country's oil output, making the U.S. one of the world's leading oil producers. Key regions for shale oil production include the Permian Basin in Texas and the Bakken Formation in North Dakota. The rise of shale oil has transformed the energy landscape, contributing to lower oil prices and reducing dependence on foreign oil. It has also sparked discussions about environmental impacts, including concerns over water usage and potential pollution from drilling activities.