Consequences for Lifting the Oil Export Ban

As we approach the end of what is on track to be the hottest year on record and as world leaders just agreed to an historic climate plan, Congress voted to lift the four decade old ban on crude oil exports. The decision now lies on President Obama, who has threatened to veto the bill. Lifting the ban would only add more fuel to the fires that are burning out West, create a more acidic ocean, and squander our natural resources for future generations. The only winners from this deal are Big Oil, who would see massive profits, while our coast will be in greater risk from offshore drilling.

By lifting the ban, it is estimated an additional 22 million metric tons of global warming pollution will be emitted each year. An extra 7,600 more wells would have to be drilled, yielding 3.3 million more barrels of oil a day. More oil could mean more pipelines, more offshore exporting facilities, more greenhouse gases, and an even stronger push to open the Atlantic to offshore drilling.

It is hypocritical for the United States to agree to urgently address climate change, while simultaneously approving policies that will accelerate the warming of the planet. Clean Ocean Action is urged lawmakers to keep the ban in place.