U.S. Chamber President Applauds House Action to Lift Oil Export Ban

Press Release
October 9, 2015

'Today's bipartisan vote in the House demonstrates continued momentum to lift the ban, and we urge the Senate to follow their lead,' says Donohue 

WASHINGTON, D.C. A top priority for the U.S. Chamber took a big step forward today as the U.S. House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation to lift the long-standing ban on crude oil exports.

“The ban on crude oil exports is a relic of the past that robs Americans of good jobs across the nation and handicaps our economy,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “Lifting the ban will give America the same opportunity the administration proposes to give Iran and that every other oil producing nation in the world embraces—the opportunity to sell oil to the global market.”

In 1975, Congress put the ban in place in response to the Arab oil embargo. However, conditions have changed dramatically in the last decade and America is producing far more oil. A resulting glut of light oil has created the opportunity to export for the first time in decades, and the possibility of expanded markets for American companies.

“It’s time to take the shackles off of the American economy and our allies. The ban must be lifted,” Donohue continued. “Today’s bipartisan vote in the House demonstrates continued momentum to lift the ban, and we urge the Senate to follow their lead.”

The Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy has been conducting a robust campaign to educate local and state Chambers, policymakers, and consumers about the need to lift the ban. The Energy Institute has been running digital ads across the country, and recently ran radio ads in five states. As debate begins in the Senate, the Chamber will remain heavily engaged. To view the Chamber’s advertising, please click here

A Key Vote alert was sent to all Members of Congress before today’s vote.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.