Pelosi throws weight behind push for US ban on Russian oil imports

Amid the escalating war in Ukraine, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Thursday she supports banning Russian oil imports to the US, a hefty nod that could strengthen President Joe Biden’s hand as global allies seek to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime.

Biden has been reluctant to curb Russian oil shipments to the US or slap on energy sanctions in ways that would reduce supply as gas prices at the pump are already climbing for Americans. But Pelosi’s support gives fresh currency for an idea in Congress already backed by wide swaths of Republicans and an increasing number of Democrats.

“I’m all for that,” Pelosi says about ending Russian oil in the US. “Ban it.”

Sen. Ed Markey, a liberal Democrat from Massachusetts and a leading advocate of climate change strategies, also backs an import ban. “We cannot criticize Europe for its reliance on Russian energy as we pour dirty oil money into Russia,” he says.

The remarks come as Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, hold a press conference introducing a bipartisan bill to halt Russian oil imports to the US. The two criticize the White House’s reluctance to commit to a ban.

Biden fears a ban could further disrupt global markets and raise already high prices at the pump. He also risks backlash from climate change activists who say US officials must not use the Ukraine war to expand oil or gas drilling in the US, a step Republicans have been urging. Gas prices in the US average nearly $3.73 a gallon Thursday, up almost $1 from a year ago, according to AAA motor club.