House Passes Legislation Sanctioning Russian Energy Sector

Why it matters locally: California, a major consumer of energy, could see indirect impacts on fuel prices and availability due to the instability in global energy markets created by these sanctions. The state's significant agricultural sector and port operations may also experience downstream effects from global economic shifts.

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives passed a comprehensive sanctions bill Wednesday aimed at Russia's energy industry. The legislation targets the largest international buyers of Russian oil and natural gas. Lawmakers named the bill in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican, who developed the legislation before his death in July. The House vote sends the measure to the Senate for further consideration.