Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining Act; REFINER Act
Summary
The REFINER Act directs the Secretary of Energy to instruct the National Petroleum Council to produce a report on petrochemical refineries in the United States. This report will analyze the role of these refineries in national energy security, their capacity, and potential risks. It also seeks to identify federal and state policies that may have contributed to a decline in refinery capacity and provide recommendations for increasing it.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect will be the creation of a report assessing the state of petrochemical refineries. This assessment could lead to future policy changes aimed at increasing refinery capacity. The goal is to ensure a reliable and affordable supply of liquid fuels.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a comprehensive analysis of the petrochemical refinery sector.
- Identifies potential risks and opportunities for expanding refinery capacity.
- Offers recommendations for policy changes to support the industry.
- Aims to improve energy security and affordability for consumers.
- Increases transparency through public availability of the report.
Potential Disadvantages
- The report itself does not guarantee any concrete action or policy changes.
- Potential bias in the report due to the involvement of the National Petroleum Council.
- Focus on increasing refinery capacity may conflict with environmental goals.
- The 90-day deadline may not allow for a thorough and comprehensive analysis.
- No direct provisions for addressing environmental concerns related to refineries.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The REFINER Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to ensure energy security and affordable fuel prices. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce, which could be interpreted to include oversight of energy production and refining. The act 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).