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Forget tariffs. Ban oil exports

Few things influence the lives of everyday Americans more directly than the price of gas. It affects everything—from the cost of commuting to work and running family errands to the prices of goods and services dependent on transportation. Time and again, Americans have demonstrated at the voting booth that affordable gas is not just a priority but a necessity. The federal government has a responsibility to heed this call and take bold steps to stabilize gas prices. One of the most effective measures would be to ban the exportation of domestic oil.

The United States is blessed with abundant oil reserves. In recent years, we’ve seen a boom in domestic production, but much of this oil is exported to global markets, leaving Americans at the mercy of volatile international prices. Why should a resource extracted from American soil serve to fuel foreign economies while American families struggle to fill their tanks? A ban on oil exports would keep more of this precious resource within our borders, ensuring that domestic supply remains plentiful and prices at the pump remain affordable.

Critics may argue that the free market should dictate where oil goes, but the oil market is far from free. It is shaped by geopolitics, OPEC decisions, and the profits of multinational corporations. These forces often prioritize profits over people. By enacting protectionist measures like a ban on exports, the government can redirect this focus, putting American families and businesses first.

This policy would also have widespread economic benefits. Lower gas prices lead to reduced transportation costs, helping businesses keep their costs down and encouraging consumer spending. This, in turn, boosts the economy. Additionally, industries reliant on affordable energy, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics, would gain a competitive edge, creating jobs and supporting local economies.

Moreover, the argument that oil companies need access to global markets to remain profitable is overstated. Domestic demand for oil remains robust, and redirecting exports to serve this demand would ensure stability for the energy sector while aligning with the nation’s interests.

The notion of energy independence has been a rallying cry for decades. But true independence isn’t just about producing enough oil to meet our needs—it’s about ensuring that oil serves the American people first and foremost. Exporting our oil undermines this independence, tying our energy policy to global market fluctuations and foreign conflicts.

At its core, this issue is about priorities. Do we prioritize the profits of multinational corporations and the demands of foreign markets? Or do we prioritize the well-being of American families and the health of our economy? The choice is clear. By banning oil exports, the United States can take a critical step toward protecting its citizens from the whims of global markets and securing a more stable and affordable energy future.

It’s time for policymakers to recognize what Americans have been saying all along: the price of gas is paramount. A ban on oil exports is not just good energy policy—it’s good economic policy, and it’s what the American people deserve.