Western Refined Fuel Reserve Act of 2025
Summary
The Western Refined Fuel Reserve Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Western Refined Fuel Storage Reserve as part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. This reserve will store gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel in salt cavern formations within Western states. The goal is to address energy supply and transportation vulnerabilities in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Expected Effects
The Act will create a dedicated fuel reserve in the Western United States, potentially mitigating fuel shortages and price spikes in the region. It mandates the Secretary of Energy to identify suitable storage locations and maintain a minimum capacity for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The reserve can be drawn down during emergencies or supply disruptions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased energy security for Western states.
- Potential stabilization of fuel prices during supply disruptions.
- Improved emergency response capabilities related to fuel shortages.
- Possible economic benefits from the construction and operation of storage facilities.
- Enhanced regional resilience to energy-related challenges.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with establishing and maintaining the reserve.
- Risk of environmental impact from storage facilities.
- Possible displacement of existing fuel storage infrastructure.
- Potential for market distortions if the reserve is not managed effectively.
- Limited scope, focusing only on Western states, potentially neglecting other regions.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including energy resources. The establishment of a fuel reserve can be argued as a measure to ensure the smooth functioning of commerce and address potential disruptions. Additionally, the Act's focus on national security and emergency preparedness could be linked to the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8), allowing Congress to enact laws necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers.
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).