HOUSTON, July 30 (Reuters) - U.S. oil producer Chevron ( CVX )

has been granted a restricted U.S. license to operate in

sanctioned Venezuela, three sources close to the decision said

on Wednesday, adding that no money from oil proceeds can be

transferred in any way to the administration of President

Nicolas Maduro.

The authorization opens a new window for oil business in

Venezuela only two months after a deadline previously set by

Washington for partners of state company PDVSA to wind down

transactions, including oil exports.