Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4859

Introduced
7/25/23  
Refer
7/25/23  

Caption

To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of any physical or cybersecurity incidents to a storage facility or a related facility of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Impact

The introduction of HB 4859 reflects growing concerns regarding the security of national energy resources. By instituting an annual assessment, the bill could potentially strengthen the resilience of the SPR against both physical and cyber threats. Such a proactive stance would not only ensure that the federal government is aware of any incidents but also promote collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies in addressing these challenges. This shift may lead to improved strategies for handling security incidents and reduce future risks of disruptions in energy supply.

Summary

House Bill 4859, known as the SPR Security Assessment Act, aims to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by mandating the Secretary of Energy to submit an annual report to Congress. This report will assess any physical or cybersecurity incidents that affect storage facilities or related facilities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The requirement emphasizes a structured approach to evaluating and addressing security threats, enhancing the transparency of SPR's operational vulnerabilities.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to improve security protocols, there may be notable points of contention regarding the scope of the reporting requirements. Some legislators and stakeholders might argue about the adequacy of resources allocated to assess these incidents. Concerns about potential bureaucratic overhead and the effectiveness of such assessments in truly enhancing security could emerge. Additionally, opposition might arise from those wary of increased government control and surveillance at energy facilities, raising debates about the balance between security and privacy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB2759

Strategic Petroleum Reserve Transparency Act

US HB432

Buy Low and Sell High Act This bill revises requirements concerning the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and sets forth provisions to reduce the demand for petroleum fuel and increase fuel supply. For example, the bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish within the SPR an Economic Petroleum Reserve of up to 350 million barrels of crude oil. DOE must also establish a national network of Strategic Refined Petroleum Product Reserves to store up to 250 million barrels of gasoline and diesel fuel, which may be sold when there is a severe fuel supply interruption within the district in which the reserve is located. In addition, the bill increases the cap on the amount of barrels of petroleum distillate that may be stored in the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve from two million to four million. It also establishes limits on the sale and exportation of petroleum products from such reserves. Further, the bill establishes provisions concerning electrifying the transportation sector, zero-emission vehicles, and a program to increase the amount of crude oil refined in oil refineries in certain countries in the Western Hemisphere.

US HB21

Strategic Production Response Act This bill limits the drawdown of petroleum in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until the Department of Energy develops a plan to increase the percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production.

US HB1290

To amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to clarify propane storage as an eligible use for funds provided under the storage facility loan program, and for other purposes.

US HB22

Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act This bill prohibits the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from selling petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) from the SPR to any entity that is under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese Communist Party. Further, DOE must require as a condition of any sale of crude oil from the SPR that the oil not be exported to China.

US HB256

Save America’s Valuable Energy Act or the SAVE ActThis bill directs the Department of Energy to prohibit the sale of petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to entities headquartered in Russia, Belarus, Burma, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

US HB222

No Oil for CCP Act This bill bans exports of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China, North Korea, Iran, and other specified recipients. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Energy to require as a condition of any sale of crude oil from the SPR that (1) the oil not be exported to such countries; and (2) the recipient of the oil is not under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese Communist Party.

US SB31

Strategic Production Response Act or the SPR Act This bill limits the drawdown of petroleum in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) until the Department of Interior issues a plan or updates a previously issued plan to increase the production of oil and gas on federal land. However, Interior may drawdown petroleum in the SPR if there is a severe energy supply interruption. The bill defines federal land to (1) include Outer Continental Shelf land; and (2) exclude land otherwise not available for oil and gas development within the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, a National Marine Sanctuary, or Indian land.

US SB621

A bill to amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to clarify propane storage as an eligible use for funds provided under the storage facility loan program, and for other purposes.

US SB934

A bill to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to assign certain functions to the Assistant Secretaries of Energy relating to energy emergencies and energy security, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.