Even as Ernesto was downgraded into a tropical depression, U.S. energy security may still be at risk in the Gulf of Mexico, UPI reported. At stake this hurricane season is another round of devastating storms, which could further hinder crude oil and natural gas production off the Gulf of Mexico. The deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico bring in nearly 1.5 million barrels of oil a day, or 25 to 30 percent of the nation's overall production, and 10 billion cubic feet of gas, according to the Department of Energy's Mineral Management Service. As of late June, offshore oil production was down 12 percent from last year and gas extraction was running 9 percent below normal levels.