Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – This week, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced the Continuing Robust and Uninhibited Drilling and Exporting (CRUDE) Act to restrict the ability of future Presidents to impose an export ban on crude oil without first proving a credible national security risk.

“Four long years of President Biden featured a whole-of-government assault on domestic energy - the lifeblood of our economy,” said Chairman Arrington. “He even considered a ban on all American oil exports, which would decimate our economy, quality of life, and future investment in the United States. We are fortunate to have President Trump back in the Oval Office, but Congress must seize this opportunity and pass legislation to safeguard our energy independence from the radical policies of future Administrations. I am proud to introduce the CRUDE Act to ensure President Trump’s legacy of American energy dominance lives on for future generations.”

“U.S. crude oil exports support American jobs and economic opportunity while serving as a stabilizing force in global energy markets,” said Holly Hopkins, VP of Upstream Policy for the American Petroleum Institute. “We applaud Chairman Arrington for standing for American oil and natural gas and reintroducing the CRUDE Act to further unleash our nation’s energy advantage.”

“AXPC thanks Chairman Arrington for re-introducing the CRUDE Act,” said Parker D. Kasmer, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Exploration & Production Council. “America's oil exports strengthen our economy and our security, and the ability to provide energy to the global market should not be threatened by restrictions due to political whims.”

“The members of the PBPA greatly appreciate Chairman Arrington’s continued leadership in reintroducing the CRUDE Act,” said Ben Shepperd, President of Permian Basin Petroleum Association. “Ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy remains critical for people across the world. This legislation will help America—particularly the Permian Basin—continue driving economic growth, supporting consumers, and sustaining industries reliant on affordable, reliable energy. Strengthening energy security for our allies is essential to both geopolitical stability and national security, and the CRUDE Act plays a vital role in achieving that goal.”

Background:

Currently, the President may restrict the export of oil for up to a year if

• the President declares a national emergency;
• the restrictions apply to countries, persons, or organizations for reasons of national security; or
• the Department of Commerce finds and reports to the President that the export of crude oil has caused sustained material oil supply shortages or sustained oil prices significantly above world market levels and those shortages or price increases have caused or are likely to cause sustained material adverse employment effects.

This bill only allows the President to make such restrictions if

• the restrictions apply to countries, persons, or organizations for reasons of national security; or
• the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and Commerce jointly make those findings and report them to the President and Congress.

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