OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Are US crude exports on the horizon?

THE CRUDE DEBATE GETS ROLLING: The Brookings Institute will host Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) Tuesday morning for a conversation on the future of U.S. energy security and policy.

{mosads}Murkowski will focus on the U.S. energy trade and its impact on the economy and national security moving forward. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member is expected to also release a report of her own on the pros and cons of lifting a decades-old ban on crude exports.

An aide to Murkowski told The Hill in December that she wanted to lead the debate on crude oil exports in Congress.

“The debate has been centered on natural gas, and she wants to switch it to oil,” said Robert Dillon, an aide to the senator.

“It is another opportunity for our country economically, and certainly her position will become clear” when the report is released,” Dillon added — which should come on Tuesday.

The fact that the conversation on crude exports is already getting started just days into 2014 comes as no surprise. Oil giants like Exxon Mobil and a prominent oil lobby, the American Petroleum Institute, voiced opposition late last year to the ban, calling for an end to it.

Speaking of the American Petroleum Institute …

The oil lobby will hold a briefing on its big plans for 2014. Surprise, surprise, Keystone XL and the fossil-fuel production boom are among topics the lobby will hit on.

API President and CEO Jack Gerard will release a new report that looks at investments by the oil and natural gas industries in the nation’s infrastructure. Gerard will also hit on the petroleum institute’s engagement campaign for the 2014 election cycle.

Rest of Tuesday’s agenda …

The Natural Resources Defense Council will release a new report on the killing of marine life in foreign fisheries, arguing that more must be done by the U.S. to enforce laws protecting the mammals.

The Renewable Fuel Association will put out a new analysis on last year’s gasoline prices and what it means for renewable fuels companies and the biofuel industry. 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Here’s what ran on E2-Wire on Monday …

– House Energy Committee to release report on natural gas exports
– 2013 saw uptick in deadly mine accidents
– Is global warming behind polar vortex?
– Agencies considering major chemical plant safety overhaul
– Alexander: Stop wasting taxpayer dollars on wind energy tax break
– States wary to share data confirming pollution from drilling
– Europe revives dirty coal for cheaper energy 

Please send tips and comments to Laura Barron-Lopez, laurab@digital-release.thehill.com.