WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) questioned U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz about the ban on American exports of crude oil and the energy security of our nation’s allies. Secretary Moniz was testifying before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on the potential modernization of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and other related energy security issues.

On U.S. Crude Oil Exports and Energy Security of U.S. Allies 

“As you talk about the role that energy plays in our national security, global security…in your testimony, you advocate for: ‘an expanded view of energy security that broadly encompasses the needs of the United States, our allies, and trading partners.’ 

“You go on to say that: ‘The crisis in Ukraine…highlighted the vulnerability of our European allies to increasing reliance on a single, dominant supplier for much of its energy supplies.’ 

“You explain that: ‘[t]his is not only true in regard to natural gas,’ but also crude oil. Your words. 

“You cite the European Commission’s finding that: ‘some European refineries are optimized for using Russian crude, [and] that EU refining capacity is increasingly in the hands of (a shrinking number of) Russian owners.’ 

“So, I’m encouraged that the administration continues to approve U.S. liquefied natural gas exports. 

“But I question about the administration, why it seems to be dithering when it comes to crude oil exports?

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Sec. Moniz on US oil exports and energy security 

On if Obama Administration Opposes Lifting U.S. Crude Oil Export Ban 

“Mr. Secretary, later this week, the House plans to vote on legislation, repealing the crude oil export ban. 

“Last month, the White House press secretary, stated that the administration: ‘wouldn’t support legislation like the one that’s been put forward by Republicans.’ 

“But last week, the Senate Banking Committee advanced legislation—introduced by Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat—to repeal the crude oil export ban. 

“So it doesn’t seem the administration supports efforts to move this bill, according to the White House spokesperson.  

“Does the Obama administration oppose all legislative efforts to repeal this crude oil ban?

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Sec. Moniz on U.S. crude oil export ban.

On Russia’s Efforts to Expand Nord Stream Natural Gas Pipeline 

“The Nord Stream pipeline, running from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, circumvents Eastern Europe. 

“I understand a number of Eastern European leaders have expressed opposition to expanding Nord Stream—I don’t know if that came up at your recent meeting. 

“What, if any, steps is this administration taking to stop the expansion of Nord Stream?”

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Sec. Moniz on Nord Stream pipeline

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