Energy exporters would face bans on sales linked to four countries

Export permit holders would have to ensure compliance, including for sales through third parties. Covered buyers operate in China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran, or in territory owned by those countries or China’s Communist Party. Buyers owned or controlled by any of them are also covered. On an exporter’s request, the Energy Secretary could waive the ban only for an imminent, severe U.S. security emergency that other responses could not adequately address. The Energy Secretary would have to grant a waiver before the applicable contract date.

The Energy Secretary could impose civil fines and sue to collect unpaid fines. Civil penalties would cover violations, attempts, agreements to violate the rules, and causing violations. Civil fines would require written notice and a chance for a hearing. Criminal penalties would cover knowing violations, attempts, and agreements to violate the rules, as well as helping commit a violation.