Concerns Raised Over Khanna’s Gas Export Ban Proposal
Experts in natural gas policy are warning that Representative Ro Khanna’s plan to prohibit gas exports might have unintended consequences.
In a statement, Khanna said, “As the Trump administration continues to betray the American people and extend the war with Iran, Congress must step in and prioritize the interests of its hardworking constituents.” This relates to the Gasoline Export Prohibition Act of 2026, which proposes to halt gas exports if the average U.S. gas price exceeds $3.12 a gallon for seven days, and to lift the ban if prices fall below that threshold for a week. (RELATED: Americans facing high gas prices for the long term following the Iran conflict)
Khanna’s office has not responded to inquiries from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Previously, Khanna mentioned, “My proposal will help lower gas prices by tackling corporate greed, which places working and middle-class Americans at the forefront.” He shared this sentiment on social media.
As of June 2, the average price of gasoline in the U.S. was $4.29 per gallon, according to Clayton Seagle from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Before the conflict with Iran escalated, prices averaged about $2.94. Seagle cautioned that implementing price control measures would exacerbate issues by causing Gulf Coast refineries to prioritize diesel production, which could further disrupt global supply chains.
Gord McGill, an author and former truck driver, stated, “Congressman Khanna’s legislation won’t impact fuel prices. It’s a ploy that capitalizes on people’s genuine frustrations regarding energy costs. It likely won’t pass, and it won’t change the international oil market, which is a key determinant of fuel prices.”
McGill advised Khanna and his colleagues to reconsider previous approaches to climate change and support legislation that aids diesel users, such as truckers and farmers.
Former President Joe Biden had previously put a halt to liquefied natural gas exports to countries without free trade agreements in January 2024. Critics believed this would harm investments, compromise U.S. national security, and fail to address carbon emissions. On his first day in office in January 2025, Trump rolled back that ban.
McGill referenced the diesel release law introduced by Representative Mike Collins and Senator Cynthia Lummis as a beneficial alternative for diesel users.
He noted that the Diesel Liberation Act could eliminate costly DEF emissions requirements damaging truckers and farmers over the last two decades, estimating losses at more than $13 billion annually due to these regulations.
Additionally, McGill suggested that Khanna and his team should analyze why many upgrading facilities and refineries have shut down in recent years, considering this loss amid rising energy costs.
The American Petroleum Institute, the leading trade association for the oil and natural gas industry, has also expressed opposition to Khanna’s bill. API President Mike Somers commented, “We oppose any export restrictions because they do not align with a responsible energy policy. Our energy initiatives should focus on increasing production: How can we produce more? How can we be more efficient? Export restrictions do the opposite.”
