H.R.3109 - Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining Act; REFINER Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3109, the REFINER Act, directs the Secretary of Energy to commission a report from the National Petroleum Council on petrochemical refineries in the United States. The report will examine the role of these refineries in energy security, assess factors contributing to capacity decline, and recommend actions to increase capacity. The goal is to ensure a reliable and affordable supply of liquid fuels and feedstocks.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect will be the commissioning of a study by the National Petroleum Council. The long-term effect depends on the report's findings and subsequent actions taken by Congress and federal agencies. It could lead to policy changes aimed at boosting domestic petrochemical refining capacity.
Potential Benefits
- Provides data for informed policy decisions regarding petrochemical refineries.
- Could lead to increased domestic energy production and reduced reliance on foreign sources.
- May result in more affordable liquid fuels for consumers.
- Could identify and address regulatory burdens hindering refinery capacity.
- Supports job creation in the energy sector.
Potential Disadvantages
- The report itself incurs costs to taxpayers.
- Recommendations to increase refinery capacity could face environmental opposition.
- Potential for increased reliance on fossil fuels, hindering the transition to renewable energy.
- The report may not lead to any concrete action or policy changes.
- Focus on petrochemical refineries might divert attention from other energy solutions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) and to provide for the general welfare (Preamble). It also falls under Congress's authority to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18). The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).