USW is fighting the repeal of the domestic crude oil export ban because it would cost U.S. refinery jobs and harm the environment. USW International President Leo W. Gerard, along with Sierra Club Executive Director Mike Brune, wrote a letter to U.S. senators asking them to oppose Senate Amendment #1486—Senator Cornyn’s amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Voting in favor of this amendment would express the Senate’s approval of repealing the restrictions on exports of domestic crude oil.
President Gerard sent a separate letter as well to the U.S. Senate, urging senators to OPPOSE the Cornyn amendment and SUPPORT Senator Markey’s amendment (SA#1645). Markey’s amendment would express the Sense of the Senate that domestic crude oil exports would not be consistent with the national interest if these exports either increase U.S. energy prices for American consumers and business, or increase the U.S.’s reliance on imported oil.