The American Petroleum Institute wants Congress to know it is time to lift the ban on crude oil exports, so they are hitting the airwaves and Internet with a series of new ads.

The ads, unveiled Wednesday, urged lawmakers to nix the ban on the sale of crude oil outside the U.S., which has been in place since the 1970s. The commercials will air in 12 states and Washington, D.C.

API argues lifting the ban would "spur additional U.S. energy production, generate jobs, protect consumers, and strengthen U.S. allies."

"We're speaking directly to the consumers and workers who will benefit from lifting these outdated trade restrictions," said Louis Finkel, API's executive vice president for government affairs.

Finkel said U.S. allies would be willing to buy oil from the U.S. to reduce their dependence on "less friendly nations." He also noted that if the proposed Iran treaty is approved, that country's substantial oil supplies could come back on the global market.

MORE CEO DATELINE

• California governor vetoes drone bill amid pressure from associations
• Airlines for America board chair steps down amid federal investigation
• New survey explores why associations are outsourcing work
• Electric co-op association CEO returns to U.S. after medical emergency
• Advocates for hardwood, drone industries launch fall fly-in season