Banning SPR Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 942
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-16T08:06:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to protect U.S. national security by restricting the export or sale of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)—a government stockpile of emergency crude oil and petroleum products—to countries and entities considered foreign adversaries. This prevents U.S. strategic reserves from indirectly supporting nations viewed as threats.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on Exports and Sales: The Secretary of Energy must block any export or sale of SPR petroleum products to:
- The People's Republic of China.
- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).
- The Russian Federation (Russia).
- The Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Any entity owned or controlled by one of these countries or by the Chinese Communist Party.
- Waiver Authority: The Secretary can temporarily allow such exports or sales if they are certified as serving U.S. national security interests (e.g., in a crisis where the benefits outweigh the risks).
- Implementation Rule: Within 60 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must issue regulations to enforce these restrictions.
- Scope: The ban applies to any SPR drawdowns (releases of oil from reserves) authorized under existing laws.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975 by adding a new Section 164, which explicitly prohibits these specific exports for the first time.
- Updates cross-references in EPCA and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 to incorporate the new prohibition, ensuring it aligns with rules on SPR drawdowns and broader oil export policies.
- Previously, SPR oil could be sold or exported more broadly during emergencies, with fewer targeted restrictions on recipients; this introduces a targeted blacklist tied to national security.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Energy (DOE) will face new administrative burdens, including rulemaking, enforcement, and waiver decisions, potentially complicating emergency SPR releases during global oil shortages.
- On Citizens: Enhances U.S. energy security by reserving SPR oil for domestic or allied use, which could stabilize fuel prices in crises but might limit flexibility if waivers are needed.
- On International Relations: Strains ties with the listed countries by signaling U.S. opposition to their energy needs; could escalate trade tensions (e.g., with China) or affect global oil markets, while strengthening alliances with U.S. partners by prioritizing their access to reserves.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government: Primarily the DOE, which manages the SPR, and Congress, which oversees energy policy.
- Oil Industry: U.S. refiners, exporters, and traders who handle SPR sales, potentially facing reduced market opportunities or compliance costs.
- Foreign Entities: Governments and companies in China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran, which lose access to U.S. emergency oil supplies.
- U.S. Citizens and Economy: Indirectly benefits through bolstered national security but could face higher energy costs if restrictions hinder efficient SPR use.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces executive authority under EPCA by granting the Secretary waiver powers, but requires certifications to justify exceptions, promoting accountability without judicial review.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to regulate commerce and foreign affairs (Article I, Section 8), while delegating implementation to the executive branch, which is standard for energy policy but could invite challenges if waivers are seen as overly broad.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) reflects consensus on countering adversaries, but may fuel debates on energy independence versus global market access; no direct impact on free speech or civil rights, focusing instead on economic security.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]
Cosponsors (34)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-02-04: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Banning Strategic Petroleum Reserve Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act — issued 2025-02-04 — PDF (3 pages)