WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today repeated her call for the Obama administration to end the ban on crude oil exports during testimony before a House Foreign Affairs Committee subcommittee.

(Click to see video of Sen. Murkowski's remarks)

“In an era of doubt and deficits, the North American energy renaissance present an opportunity to strengthen our position on the global stage, while generating wealth, creating jobs, reducing our deficit, and enhancing our national security,” Murkowski said. “Lifting the ban will boost U.S. production and open our nation to global markets. The American consumer – the American people – will ultimately benefit.”

Murkowski testified before the House subcommittee on the same day she released a report – License to Trade: Commerce Department Authority to Allow Condensate Exports – outlining the Department of Commerce existing authority to allow for condensate exports by updating the 30-year-old definition of “crude oil.” The report is available on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee website.

Murkowski also recently released a report detailing the history of past executive actions lifting restrictions on crude oil exports.

“At the end of the day, I am fully prepared to introduce legislation if necessary – but because legislation takes time we may not need to spend, I remain hopeful that we may have a willing partner in the administration,” Murkowski said.

Murkowski is the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

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