from San Diego Union Tribune’s EconoMeter panel.

Q: Will lifting the ban on exporting U.S. crude oil lead to higher prices?

Bob’s Answer: NO

Lifting the export ban on oil would allow domestic-energy producers to compete on a level playing field with international exporters. This will contribute to a further increase in international supply, either stabilizing or forcing prices down even more.

This will prevent a further slashing of production and jobs here that is caused by the recent drop in prices. Lifting the ban will likely create new jobs at the same time.

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