Sheinbaum Defends Fracking Plan as Mexico Seeks Energy Independence from US Natural Gas

President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a fracking-based energy extraction plan designed to reduce Mexico's heavy dependence on US natural gas imports — a strategic pivot driven in part by concerns over energy vulnerability as US-Mexico trade tensions persist under Trump's tariff policies. Mexico currently imports approximately 70% of its natural gas from the United States, making it susceptible to pricing pressure and supply disruptions. The fracking plan, announced in the April 9-11 window, marks a significant energy policy shift that could alter the bilateral trade relationship and reduce one US leverage point in ongoing USMCA renegotiation talks. Environmental critics and opposition groups have raised concerns about fracking's ecological risks, particularly in water-stressed northern states. The announcement comes as the USMCA joint review formally approaches its July 1 launch date.