Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining Act; REFINER Act
Summary
The REFINER Act directs the Secretary of Energy to task the National Petroleum Council with producing a report on petrochemical refineries in the United States. This report will examine the role of these refineries in national energy security, including their contribution to the supply and affordability of liquid fuels and feedstocks. The report also requires analysis of refinery capacity, potential expansion opportunities, and risks, as well as an assessment of federal and state policies impacting refinery capacity.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect will be the commissioning of a report by the National Petroleum Council. This report is intended to inform future policy decisions related to the petrochemical industry. The long-term effect could be changes in federal regulations or policies aimed at increasing or supporting the capacity of petrochemical refineries in the United States.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of petrochemical refineries in U.S. energy security.
- Identifies opportunities for expanding refinery capacity, potentially leading to increased fuel production.
- Assesses the impact of existing policies on refinery capacity, which could lead to more informed regulatory decisions.
- Could lead to recommendations for policies that encourage increased refinery capacity, potentially lowering fuel costs.
- Public availability of the report promotes transparency and allows for informed public discourse.
Potential Disadvantages
- The report itself does not guarantee any concrete action or policy changes.
- The focus on increasing refinery capacity may not align with broader environmental goals related to reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- The 90-day timeframe for the Secretary of Energy to direct the National Petroleum Council may be insufficient for a comprehensive report.
- Potential for the report to be influenced by industry interests, leading to biased recommendations.
- The act does not address potential environmental or health impacts associated with increased refinery capacity.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The REFINER Act appears to align with the constitutional principle of promoting the general welfare (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which includes the energy sector. Requiring a report on petrochemical refineries falls under Congress's authority to gather information and make informed decisions related to energy policy. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or liberties.
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).