Article Content Key Politicians Support Overturning Crude Oil Export Ban
Recently, the United States has seen an influx of congressional support for the repeal of the country’s ban on crude oil exports. Enacted in an effort to spur American energy independence following the Arab oil embargo of 1973, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) has now prevented crude oil exports for over 40 years. Michigan Representative Fred Upton, the chairman of the House of Representatives’ energy panel, has stated his support for the ban’s repeal, asserting in a recent hearing that the legislative move would be beneficial for both America and its allies abroad. Similarly, George Baker, executive director of Producers for American Crude Oil Exports, has contended that lifting the ban would benefit the entire U.S. economy, from employees to consumers.
These comments followed the recent introduction of a bill that would overturn the EPCA ban. Initiated by Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, chair of the Senate Energy Committee, the bill currently has the support of 13 co-sponsors.
Senator Murkowski addressed her fellow members of Congress on June 4, calling for the United States to modernize its energy politics. She referenced extensive research regarding the impact of overturning the ban, which has widely encouraged its repeal. Senator Murkowski also posited that the current ban is inconsistent with a legislative environment that currently allows the export of diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, and other refined products. However, critics such as Jay Hauck, director of the CRUDE Coalition, have argued that lifting the ban could raise the price of domestic gasoline.