news

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-5) re-introduced the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act, to help increase energy refining capacity in the United States.  

Over the last several years, North America lost an estimated one million barrels of fuel per day due to low refining capacity. The REFINER Act would address this crisis by collecting critical information, including identifying factors leading to low refining capacity, and presenting lawmakers with recommendations to expand refining capacity to ensure an abundance of affordable and reliable energy in the United States. 

“As energy demand continues to rise we must ensure our refining capacity can keep pace to ensure American energy dominance,” Latta said. “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.” 

Background on the REFINER Act: 

The REFINER Act would require the National Petroleum Council to submit a report to the Secretary of Energy and Congress, detailing: 

• the role of petrochemical refineries in the U.S. and the contribution they make to the energy security of the United States, including the reliability of supply in the U.S. of liquid fuels and feedstocks, and the affordability of liquid fuels for consumers in the U.S.; 
• analyses and projections for the capacity of petrochemical refineries in the U.S., opportunities for expanding capacity, and current risks to the refineries; 
• an assessment of any Federal or State executive actions, regulations, or policies that have caused or contributed to a decline in refining capacity; and 
• any recommendations for Federal agencies and Congress to encourage an increase in refining capacity.