WSJ Warns Trump Diesel Export Ban Could Backfire as Democrats Lead GOP by 8 Points
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Sep 23
WSJ Warns Trump Diesel Export Ban Could Backfire as Democrats Lead GOP by 8 Points
3 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Sep 23
Summary
The Wall Street Journal said Trump’s push to halt U.S. diesel exports could worsen the fuel crunch instead of easing prices before the Nov. 3 midterms.
About 1.5 million barrels a day of diesel exports cannot be easily rerouted inland, the paper said, so a ban could leave fuel stuck on the Gulf Coast, force refinery cutbacks and lift gasoline and jet-fuel costs.
Republicans are backing the idea as Iran-war-driven fuel prices bite: Mike Rogers, Ashley Hinson and Chuck Grassley support action, and John Thune said he is open to an export ban.
Polling has sharpened the political risk, with Reuters/Ipsos showing Democrats ahead 43% to 35% among registered voters and Senate races tightening across several Trump-friendly states.
The editorial board urged Republicans to target other drivers instead, including a renewable fuel standard it says adds 30 to 40 cents a gallon and Trump’s unpopular Canada tariffs.