Biden finally bans Russian oil purchases by U.S.

Biden announces ban on Russian oil imports, other energy products - ABC News
Under growing pressure, not only from Republicans from Democrats as well in Congress, President Biden on Tuesday finally decided it was time for the U.S. to stop buying oil from Russia.
It came as Russian soldiers increased their killing of Ukrainian civilians after invading Ukraine 12 days earlier.

“Today I am announcing the United States is targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy. We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy,” Biden announced.

“That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at U.S. ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine.”

“This is a step we’re taking to inflict further pain on Putin,” added the President who had been reluctant to ban American purchases of Russian oil.

The White House later said the President would sign an executive order, that not only banned Russian oil but also liquefied natural gas and coal imports to the U.S.

The President’s decision also prompted Oklahoma members of Congress who hailed the decision, but also at the same time, criticized Biden for being so slow in reaching it.
“The world is a safer place when America is providing energy for the world, food for the world, critical minerals for the world, and inputs for the world. The Administration must not stifle American production with burdensome regulations or policies that penalize and curtail the supply of domestic energy,” admonished Rep. Frank Lucas in reacting to Biden’s announcement.
“Biden’s embargo on Russian oil must be partnered with an immediate reversal of his anti-American energy policies,” said Rep. Kevin Hern of Tulsa.
 “Oklahoma companies are ready and willing to provide oil and gas to the American people, but Biden handcuffed them on Day 1 of his presidency. Instead of looking for energy in his own backyard, Biden is begging Iran, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia for oil. We must stop the flow of American dollars to Russia, but we can never allow ourselves to become dependent on foreign autocrats for our energy supply again.”
Rep. Stephanie Bice responded with her support for the embargo, explaining American money should not be used to fund the invasion of Ukraine or the war efforts of the Kremlin.
“Unfortunately, due to the situation in Eastern Europe, President Biden’s energy policies have created a crisis. This embargo must be accompanied by concrete solutions to restore American energy production and independence,” said Rep. Bice.
“President Biden must end the federal freeze on all new oil and gas projects, fast-track pending LNG exports, which would allow our allies to end their reliance on Putin and his oligarchs, stop the regulatory assault on American energy development, and expedite all pipeline and energy development.”
Rep. Tom Cole also responded to the President’s announcement.
“Amid Vladimir Putin’s ongoing and unprovoked war against the Ukrainian people, the United States and our allies should have no part in feeding the coffers of an unhinged dictator. Indeed, President Joe Biden should do everything in his power to cut off any funding streams to Putin’s war chest. While I am encouraged that the president announced the U.S. will finally stop buying Russian oil and energy products, this key sanction should have happened much sooner – not because of pressure from Congress and public outrage, but because it is the right thing to do.”
The U.S. imported an estimated 672,000 barrels a day from Russia in 2021, according to figures from the Energy Information Administration. That amount makes up roughly 8% of the total U.S. imports of oil and refined products.
Biden’s announcement came after the United Kingdom did the same thing, implementing its restrictions on buying Russian oil imports. Great Britain said it will phase out the country’s imports by the end of the year.
The European Union also took the same step on Tuesday.

“We simply cannot rely on a supplier who explicitly threatens us,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a press release announcing the plan.