summary
Introduced
05/19/2015
05/19/2015
In Committee
05/19/2015
05/19/2015
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
American Crude Oil Export Equality Act Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to repeal the authority of the President to restrict exports of: coal, petroleum products, natural gas, or petrochemical feedstocks; and materials or equipment which he determines necessary for either exploration, production, refining, or transportation of energy supplies, or for construction or maintenance of energy facilities within the United States. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal limitations on exports of oil. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to repeal limitations on export of Outer Continental Shelf oil or gas on the lands within its purview. Declares without force or effect: the limitation placed upon crude oil exports by the Export Administration Act of 1979, and a specified regulation relating to crude oil (but retains its full force and effect with respect to crude oil exports from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve [SPR]). Requires a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce for export to a country of crude oil only if: the country is subject to sanctions or trade restrictions imposed by the United States, the President or Congress has designated the country as subject to exclusion for reasons of national security, or the export concerns the withdrawal of crude oil from the SPR. Authorizes the President to ban crude oil exports from the United States during a national emergency for a maximum period of one year (renewable for additional one-year periods) if certain circumstances exist. Directs the Governmental Accountability Office to conduct annual reviews of: energy production in the United States; and the effects, if any, of crude oil exports from the United States on consumers, independent refiners, and shipbuilding and ship repair yards.
AI Summary
This bill, the American Crude Oil Export Equality Act, aims to remove most restrictions on exporting crude oil from the United States. It repeals existing laws that give the President authority to limit exports of various energy products, including coal, petroleum, natural gas, and petrochemical feedstocks, as well as materials and equipment for energy infrastructure. The bill also eliminates limitations on exporting oil from the Mineral Leasing Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and declares that a specific restriction on crude oil exports from the Export Administration Act of 1979 and a related regulation are no longer in effect, with the exception of crude oil exports from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), a government-held emergency oil stockpile. While generally allowing crude oil exports, the bill requires a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce for exports to countries that are subject to U.S. sanctions or trade restrictions, have been designated for national security exclusion by the President or Congress, or if the export involves withdrawing oil from the SPR. Additionally, the President is authorized to ban crude oil exports during a national emergency for up to one year, with possible renewals, under specific circumstances, such as if exports cause significant domestic supply shortages or price increases that lead to adverse employment effects. Finally, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is directed to conduct annual reviews for two years to assess U.S. energy production and the impact of crude oil exports on consumers, independent refiners, and the shipbuilding industry, and to report its findings and recommendations to Congress.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3062-3063) (on 05/19/2015)
Official Document
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