Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB9

Introduced
1/23/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The enactment of SB9 will significantly alter the operational practices of the Department of Energy regarding the management and distribution of reserves in the SPR. By preventing sales to China, the bill emphasizes the U.S. commitment to maintaining energy independence and safeguarding its resources. It may also encourage domestic energy production and refine the focus of U.S. energy policies to prioritize national interests over foreign dealings. Additionally, the bill could have broader implications for international trade relations, especially with China, as it sends a firm message regarding U.S. strategies in global energy markets.

Summary

Senate Bill 9, titled the 'Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act', seeks to enhance national security by prohibiting the sale of crude oil and other petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China. This legislation is a direct response to concerns about the risks associated with foreign control over essential U.S. resources and aims to ensure that American petroleum reserves are exclusively available to U.S. interests. The bill establishes clear restrictions against any sale or export that would involve entities connected to the Chinese Communist Party.

Contention

While the proposed legislation is largely supported by those advocating for stronger national security measures, it raises potential points of contention among stakeholders in the energy sector. Critics may argue that such strict prohibitions could limit the flexibility of the U.S. energy market and affect prices. Moreover, the bill implies significant regulatory oversight from the Department of Energy, which some may view as government overreach. Discussions around the bill are likely to reflect broader debates on energy policy, international trade dynamics, and national security priorities.

Companion Bills

US HB22

Identical bill 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 SB218

Related bill Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act

Previously Filed As

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 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 HB293

Banning Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to prohibit the export or sale of petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to (1) China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran; (2) any other country the government of which is subject to sanctions imposed by the United States; and (3) any entity owned, controlled, or influenced by such countries or the Chinese Communist Party. However, DOE may issue a waiver of the prohibition if the export or sale of petroleum products is in the national security interests of the United States.

US HB59

Save America’s Valuable Energy Act or the SAVE Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to prohibit the sale of petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to certain entities. Specifically, DOE must prohibit the sale of petroleum products from the SPR to entities headquartered in Russia. Further, DOE must prohibit the sale of petroleum products from the SPR to entities headquartered in countries (Belarus, Burma, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela) that are subject to certain prohibitions concerning exports of defense articles and services under the Department of State's International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

US SB218

Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act

US SB11

Secure Auction For Energy Reserves Act of 2023 or the SAFER Act of 2023 This bill limits the sale and exportation of petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to require, as a condition of auction sales, that the petroleum products not be exported to countries that are designated as countries of particular concern for religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. In addition, the bill establishes limits on auction sales of petroleum products from the SPR to state-owned entities if DOE determines that, as of the dates of the auctions, there are bans on, or the imposition of sanctions by the United States with respect to, the purchase of crude oil from countries. Under such circumstances, state-owned entities must certify that they have not purchased petroleum products from countries subject to such bans or sanctions later than 15 days after the date on which the ban or sanctions went into effect in order to be able to bid in auctions. If DOE determines state-owned entities participating in the auctions have purchased crude oil from such countries after that time period, then DOE may not sell petroleum products from the SPR to such entities.

US HB2806

Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China 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 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 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.

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