Gasoline Export Ban Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8266
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Foreign Trade and International Finance
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-14: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-21T12:18:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Gasoline Export Ban Act of 2026 (H.R. 8266) aims to prevent the export of U.S.-produced gasoline when domestic prices are high, prioritizing supply for American consumers to help stabilize or lower prices.
Key Provisions
- Export Prohibition: The President must ban exports of U.S.-produced gasoline during "high-price periods," defined as:
- Starting when the national average gasoline price is $3.12 per gallon or higher for 7 consecutive days.
- Ending when the average price falls below $3.12 per gallon for 7 consecutive days.
- Gasoline Definition: Covers products under subheading 2710.12 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (a standard U.S. classification for imported/exported goods, specifically refined gasoline).
- Exceptions and Flexibility:
- President may allow specific exports if deemed in the national interest.
- Bans can include additional terms and conditions set by the President.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a mandatory export ban triggered automatically by price thresholds, unlike current U.S. policy which generally permits gasoline exports without such restrictions.
- Shifts authority to the President for enforcement and exemptions, creating a new tool for responding to price spikes.
Potential Impacts
- Citizens: Could reduce domestic gasoline prices by keeping more supply in the U.S. during shortages or high-demand periods.
- Government Agencies: Executive branch (e.g., Department of Energy or Commerce) would monitor prices, enforce bans, and handle exemptions, increasing administrative workload.
- International Relations: May disrupt trade with countries relying on U.S. gasoline exports, potentially leading to retaliatory measures or strained diplomatic ties.
- Economy: U.S. refiners might face reduced revenue from lost export markets; consumers could see short-term price relief.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Gasoline Producers and Refiners: Restricted from exporting, potentially losing markets.
- American Consumers and Drivers: Primary beneficiaries through possible lower pump prices.
- Export-Dependent Businesses: Shipping companies and traders impacted by bans.
- Foreign Importers: Countries buying U.S. gasoline (e.g., in Europe or Latin America) face supply disruptions.
- Federal Government: President and agencies gain new enforcement powers.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on presidential authority over exports (under laws like the Export Administration Act); price-based triggers are novel and could face court challenges over vagueness or enforcement.
- Constitutional: Involves Congress delegating trade powers to the executive, which is common but could raise separation-of-powers questions if exemptions are abused.
- Political: Addresses public concerns over gas prices but may spark debate on free trade vs. domestic protectionism; referred to House Committee on Foreign Affairs, signaling international trade focus.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-14: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-04-14: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Gasoline Export Ban Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-14 — PDF (2 pages)