Washington, DC – In response to the House Energy and Commerce Committee passing legislation today that would lift the 40-year ban on crude oil exports, League of Conservation Voters Vice President of Government Affairs Sara Chieffo released this statement:

“We are disappointed that once again, the top priority of Big Oil is once again a top priority of the House leadership. Lifting the 40-year old ban on exporting crude oil would hurt American families by raising gas prices while padding oil companies’ profits. And this is on top of the billions this polluting industry already gets each year in permanent subsidies. It would also lead to more drilling in sensitive areas like the Arctic, our coasts and our treasured public lands. We commend President Obama for standing up for the American people by opposing this harmful legislation. Congress shouldn’t be doubling down on the dirty fuels of the past, but should instead be growing our clean energy economy.” 

###