“By lifting the domestic crude oil export ban, we are sending a signal to the world that our nation is ready to be a global energy superpower. With crude exports comes job creation, economic growth, new revenues, prosperity, and enhanced energy security for our allies and ourselves,” Murkowski said. “The omnibus may be a short-term spending bill, but thanks to this provision it will deliver long-lasting benefits for our nation and the world.”

The Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill, which passed the Senate today by a vote of 65 to 33, would repeal the 40-year-old prohibition on exports of U.S. crude oil. Limited export of oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System has been allowed, with presidential approval and other special restrictions, since 1996. The legislation eliminates all restrictions, so as not to disadvantage Alaska.

“For Alaska, this legislation will guarantee our long-term ability to export,” Murkowski said. “Combined with other steps we must take – starting with access to federal areas in our state, to ensure greater production of our prolific oil resources – this is a key part of a modern energy policy that will serve Alaska well.”

Murkowski, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, first proposed lifting the antiquated ban on crude oil exports in January 2014 and since then has built a solid case for modernizing our nation’s energy policies through white papers, speeches, hearings, and legislation.