Congressional Republicans have barely considered the possibility of overturning the ban on crude oil exports, even though such a policy would benefit the nation economically and with national security. In an interview with Bloomberg BNA, Rep. Ed Whitfield, chairman of the subcommittee on Energy and Power, said the comprehensive energy legislation the Energy and Commerce Committee is currently crafting does not consider the crude oil ban that was enacted in response to the Arab oil embargo. “I would be surprised if it were in there,” Whitfield said. “We’ve already laid out the four concepts for the energy bill.” He continued, saying that a hearing March 3, may help republicans consider the issue: “It’s our first opportunity to really start exploring the issue. This is our first opportunity to really start asking questions about the pros and cons of crude oil exports.” This is a proposal that most legislators could get behind. It would hamper Vladimir Putin’s energy dominance in Europe, and it presents a business opportunity for the American economy. Who would say no? Well, Obama, who may see this as boosting America’s oil industry. More…