WASHINGTON: Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, spoke today at a press conference organized by Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) about the importance of ending the ban on crude oil exports. Harbert issued the following statement in support of lifting the ban.
“Energy Secretary Moniz said last week that advocates for lifting the ban on oil exports have not yet made their case. Today, I’m joining with members of Congress and other industry leaders to do exactly that–explain why the outdated ban on oil exports makes little sense in today’s global economy.
“The ban on crude oil exports was enacted in 1975, during a time of energy scarcity for the United States. Thanks to technical innovation and industry know-how, our nation has now become the top oil and gas producer in the world. According to analysts, lifting the ban on oil exports would provide a boost to our economy by creating jobs, generating revenue and helping to keep prices low for businesses and consumers. It would also be a stabilizing influence on global markets.
“The Chamber will be continuing to educate policymakers, the business community, and the public about the need to lift the ban, and we look forward to working with Congressional leaders on a strategy to update our policy.”
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
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.
