The enactment of SB3655 could significantly affect the management and operation of the SPR, as it introduces a safeguard against using strategic reserves during periods when land is not available for energy production due to presidential actions. This bill seeks to align oil and gas leasing policies with emergency response strategies, particularly aiming to maintain oil supply stability in the face of domestic and international uncertainties.
Summary
SB3655, titled the 'Strategically Lowering Gas Prices Act', seeks to restrict the drawdown and sale of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in specific circumstances. The bill proposes that if the President prohibits certain lands from oil and gas leasing, the Secretary of Energy cannot authorize the sale of petroleum products from the SPR. This measure is aimed at ensuring that the reserves are not depleted while other energy resources remain untapped due to federal land withdrawals.
Contention
The most notable point of contention surrounding SB3655 likely revolves around its implications for energy policy and national security. Supporters may argue that restricting access to the SPR during land withdrawals ensures responsible management of national resources to avoid potential crises stemming from the use of reserves without local energy production. Conversely, critics might contend that such limitations could hinder immediate government responses to pressing energy needs, particularly during emergencies caused by sabotage, warfare, or natural disasters.
Strategic Production Response and Implementation ActThis bill modifies the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit the Department of Energy (DOE) from drawing down petroleum products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until DOE develops and implements a plan to increase the percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production. The increase must be equal to the percentage of petroleum in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve that is to be drawn down. However, the bill does not apply to a drawdown of petroleum products in the case of a severe energy supply interruption, which is permitted under current law. The plan must not provide for a total increase in the percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production in excess of 10%.
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.
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.
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