Listen
Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-AK, delivered the opening keynote address for the annual IHS CERAWeek energy conference. The ranking member of the Senate Energy Committee devoted much of her remarks to her proposal to lift U.S. restrictions on crude oil exports. Sen. Murkowski argued that allowing exports would stimulate more domestic production — creating jobs and lowering oil prices.
The senator also said such exports could help the U.S. to influence global policy. She suggested that steep cuts to America’s armed forces, announced by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel last week, may have influenced Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to seize control of Crimea from Ukraine.
“So, let’s think again about our energy as a strategic asset. ’Cause perhaps we’re not going to have as many boots on the ground, but what other assets do we have where we can demonstrate our global position as a leader?”
Asked whether the U.S. might ramp up exports of liquefied natural gas in response to the crisis, Murkowski demurred, saying that the U.S. was only beginning the process of licensing new terminals for LNG exports.
