The U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 20 passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) that would help increase energy refining capacity in the United States and has sent it to the U.S. Senate for action.
“I thank my House colleagues for supporting and passing my bill and urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation as soon as possible,” said Rep. Latta, who in April sponsored the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act, H.R. 3109.
If enacted, the bill would require the U.S. Department of Energy to direct the National Petroleum Council to publish a report on petrochemical refineries located in the United States.
The report would have to include information concerning the contributions of such refineries to U.S. energy security; analyses and projections with respect to opportunities for expanding the capacities of the refineries and the risks to such refineries; any federal or state executive actions that have contributed to a decline in their capacities; and any recommendations to increase such capacities, according to the Congressional Record bill summary.
“As energy demand grows, we have to ensure our refining capacity grows with it to maintain America’s energy dominance,” Rep. Latta said. “The REFINER Act will provide the data and insight needed to guide decisions that reinforce our energy infrastructure and help keep fuel costs low for American families.”