Castro, Mccaul Urge President Obama to Allow Crude Oil Exports

Press Release

Congressmen Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) today sent a letter urging President Barack Obama to lift the prohibition on U.S. crude oil exports to Mexico. Doing so would afford Mexico the same trade exemption granted to Canada thirty years ago.

"Mexico is Texas' largest trade partner, and the country's recent energy reforms open the door for our economic ties to expand even further," said Rep. Castro. "Lifting these crude oil export restrictions will benefit Texas businesses and workers, boost the U.S. economy, and help North America reach its energy potential."

"Last year, during the first ever trilateral meeting of lawmakers from the U.S., Mexico and Canada, I heard from both my Mexican and Canadian counterparts about the need to tear down trade barriers and improve the flow of energy across the continent," said Rep. McCaul. "Trading crude oil freely with Mexico in the same manner that the U.S. trades with Canada is not only fair, but it will make the distribution of energy in North American more efficient. Improving energy trade ties will also benefit Texas producers by opening up a new market that is hungry for U.S. crude oil."

The President has the authority to exempt Mexico from U.S. crude oil export restrictions under Section 103 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. In 1985, President Regan used this authority to make a presidential finding that declared crude oil exports to Canada in the national interest.

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