Air Force General Agrees with Sen. Inhofe on Lifting of Oil Export Ban

When the U.S. lifted its 40-year old export on oil exports, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe was one of those who supported the move. This week, he also got the support of Air Force Gen. Phillip Breedlove, head of European Command who believes the lifting of the ban will have a major influence in the political tension between Russia and eastern Europe.

“Russia is very apt to use energy dependence and energy capabilities as one of the tools (against other countries), adjusting prices, restricting flows, etc. And so, more available sources I think, would help to diffuse that tool that they could use,” answered Gen. Breedlove in questioning by Sen. Inhofe during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The General made much the same comment in an opening statement that Europe’s dependency on Russian oil served to “bolster” Russia’s ability to coerce nations like Ukraine to achieve political gains.

Inhofe is a senior member of the Armed Services Committee.

Watch Inhofe’s interview of Gen. Breedlove.

video of General Breedlove