The chairman of the Senate Energy Committee said he supports a ban on Russian oil and other petroleum products, saying such a prohibition would further hold Vladimir Putin  accountable for its illegal and unlawful attack on Ukraine.

Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, said the United States is indirectly funding the Putin regime and its ruthless attack on the Ukrainian people by purchasing Russian oil.

Allen said President Biden should take immediate action to reverse some of his energy policies, like stopping the Keystone XL pipeline, that have curtailed domestic energy production and contributed to increased costs for the American public.

“Most products on our shelves are derived from petroleum in some fashion,” Allen said. “Even windmills depend on petroleum products for lubrication. Energy costs for heating homes have increased, and consumers are seeing higher prices at the pump. American families need relief, and they need it now. The president has failed to address record levels of inflation, and his energy policies are only curtailing energy production, further increasing prices for consumers. Energy producers aren’t asking the federal government for a handout, but rather want the opportunity to get their products to market.”