Scalise Opening Statement For E&C Subcommittee Markup Of H.R. 702

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.), a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, submitted the following opening statement for the Energy and Power Subcommittee markup of H.R. 702, “To adapt to changing crude oil market conditions.” Today, the subcommittee unanimously approved the measure.

“Mr. Chairman, we are at a crossroads. The oil and gas industry, through rapid technological advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing and sheer force of will, has catapulted the United States into the world’s leading producer of energy. This development has occurred as access to resources on federal lands is more restricted than it has ever been; administrative agencies propose rules that are aimed at punishing fossil fuels; and as the White House speaks of an ‘all of the above’ energy policy that has – in reality – been a huge giveaway of federal benefits to unproven ‘advanced’ technologies that promise too much and deliver too little.

“In addition, the United States has been struggling through a sluggish, protracted economic recovery creating too few jobs and no real wage growth to speak of. Yet, despite all of these obstacles, the American energy industry marshals on. And we find ourselves with a real opportunity, the first since the early 1970s, to continue the phenomenal growth we have witnessed thus far. And that opportunity lies in lifting the outdated ban on exporting crude oil from the United States.

“That is why I am so happy to support my friend, Joe Barton, and his legislation that lifts the ban. Mr. Chairman, I know that you support this bill and I cannot thank you enough for holding this markup today. With this legislation, producers will have someplace to send crude that now sits in storage tanks. Our allies in other countries will now have an option other than Russia or less-than-friendly Middle Eastern regimes when purchasing crude. And finally, Mr. Chairman, as we consider international implications of the Iran nuclear deal that we will consider later this month, it seems unreal that lifting sanctions on Iranian oil exports would not also be met with the same free-trading policy for commodities produced here at home.

“So, I am thrilled that we are having this markup today and will continue to gather support for this important effort as the Republican Majority Whip. I yield back.”

Background on Scalise involvement in lifting the crude oil export ban:

In his role as Majority Whip, Scalise has been promoting lifting the ban to his House colleagues.

Earlier this month, Scalise applauded the U.S. Department of Energy’s conclusion that “[p]etroleum product prices in the United States, including gasoline prices, would be either unchanged or slightly reduced by the removal of current restrictions on crude oil exports.”

In August, Scalise praised the U.S. Department of Commerce for allowing some export swaps of crude oil to Mexico.

In July, Scalise joined WWL-TV (CBS) in New Orleans to discuss the importance of lifting the ban.