Bill > SR19

This Resolution, passed by the Oklahoma State Senate, urges federal authorities to expand the exportation of American crude oil and refined petroleum products, arguing that current restrictions, stemming from past legislation like the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1973 and the Export Administration Act of 1979, distort the U.S. economy by artificially depressing prices and hindering production. The resolution highlights the significant increase in domestic crude oil production due to advanced drilling technologies and notes that refined products are already exported freely. It contends that crude oil is an internationally traded commodity subject to speculation, and that removing export bans and addressing other barriers like the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (often referred to as the "Jones Act," which regulates maritime commerce in U.S. waters) would foster a freer market, encourage investment in oil and gas production, and lead to economic growth, higher wages, and more jobs across the nation. Specifically, it calls for the U.S. Department of Commerce to broaden its definition of allowable crude oil exports, for the President to recognize crude oil exports as being in the national interest and exempt producers from the current ban, and for Congress to pass legislation to remove the ban and waive Jones Act requirements for domestic crude oil shipments.