HB8670, titled the Stop Oil Exports to Lower Gas Prices Act, would temporarily prohibit exports of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel during the period of U.S. military operations against Iran that began in March 2026. The ban would remain in place until the President declares those military operations have ceased and certifies to Congress that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and global shipping through the strait has resumed.
The bill also creates a narrow waiver for crude oil exports if the President determines that crude oil cannot be efficiently refined in the United States. If that waiver is used, the President must issue a license for the export and require that the crude oil be refined abroad and then imported back into the United States. The measure amends an existing federal energy-export provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, and would add a new exception to current law governing oil and fuel exports.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would directly alter federal law by adding a wartime export prohibition to existing energy-export statutes, specifically affecting crude oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel exports. It would expand the scope of current restrictions in 42 U.S.C. 6212a by making export bans contingent on military operations against Iran and conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, while preserving a limited presidential waiver for crude oil in cases where domestic refining is not efficient. The practical effect would be to constrain exporters, potentially affect fuel markets and supply chains, and give the executive branch a certification and waiver role tied to national security and energy logistics.
Sentiment
The bill’s title and structure suggest a policy goal of lowering domestic gas prices and prioritizing U.S. fuel supply during a conflict with Iran, which may appeal to lawmakers concerned about energy security and wartime market disruptions. However, no committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no documented floor or committee sentiment in the provided materials. Based on the text alone, the bill appears framed as a protective, consumer-oriented measure rather than a deregulatory one.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely to be the economic and foreign-policy tradeoffs of restricting exports. Supporters would likely argue that limiting exports could keep more fuel in the domestic market and reduce price spikes during military operations, while opponents may argue that export bans could disrupt energy markets, harm producers, and interfere with trade and refinery operations. The waiver provision itself may also be debated because it gives the President discretion to allow crude oil exports when domestic refining is inefficient, raising questions about how broadly that standard could be applied and whether the bill’s restrictions are workable in practice.
A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, lessening reliance on foreign adversaries, supporting rural communities, and reducing carbon impacts.
Expressing support for the designation of May 2025 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices for consumers, supporting rural communities, and lessening reliance on foreign adversaries.
A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2025 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices for consumers, supporting rural communities, and lessening reliance on foreign adversaries.
Expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, lessening reliance on foreign adversaries, supporting rural communities, and reducing carbon impacts.
No Oil for CCP Act This bill bans exports of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China, North Korea, Iran, and other specified recipients. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Energy to require as a condition of any sale of crude oil from the SPR that (1) the oil not be exported to such countries; and (2) the recipient of the oil is not under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese Communist Party.