Require a public report evaluating U.S. petrochemical refineries?
The Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining Act (REFINER) Act requires the Secretary of Energy to have the National Petroleum Council issue a public report on the state of U.S. petrochemical refineries. The report must assess their role in energy security, evaluate current capacity and risks, review whether government policies have reduced capacity, and provide recommendations to increase refinery capacity.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert Latta (Republican, Ohio, District 5)
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Opponents say
• "H.R. 3109 would require the National Petroleum Council (NPC) to submit a report to Congress and the Department of Energy (DOE) on issues faced by petrochemical refineries in the United States. However, by requiring the NPC to write the report, as opposed to DOE, the bill biases the outcome of the process it creates from the start. The NPC is a federal advisory committee comprised of members of the oil and gas industries. Its voice is the voice of the oil and gas industry, not that of a neutral arbiter. This bill would not ask for a neutral analysis--rather, it would ask for the fossil fuel industry's take on an issue that it stands to profit from." Source: Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (Democrat, New Jersey, District 6)
Proponents say
• "As energy demand continues to rise we must ensure our refining capacity can keep pace to ensure American energy dominance. The REFINER Act will give us the necessary data and insights we need to make informed decisions that strengthen our energy infrastructure and keep fuel affordable for American families." Source: Robert Latta (Republican, Ohio, District 5)
