WASHINGTON, September 15, 2015 – API urged the administration to reconsider its position, as outlined by a White House spokesman today, that Congress should leave crude oil export decisions to the Commerce Department.      “The administration has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by opening the door to U.S. exports, creating new jobs, helping American families, and strengthening America’s position as an energy superpower,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “Lawmakers are right to ask why U.S. producers shouldn’t have the same access to global markets that the administration would give Iran.      “Failing to lift the 1970s-era ban on crude oil exports could throw away a major opportunity to build U.S. energy security and generate significant savings for consumers, according to numerous major economic analysis -- including the administration’s own report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Exports also strengthen the security of our allies by providing an alternative to imports from hostile nations.    “Fortunately, bipartisan support in the House and Senate continue to grow, and we’re optimistic that legislators will continue to make this issue a top priority in the days ahead.”        API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans.