Western Refined Fuel Reserve Act of 2026
Summary
This legislation would direct the Secretary of Energy to create a new regional fuel stockpile known as the Western Refined Fuel Storage Reserve. This reserve would be integrated into the existing Strategic Petroleum Reserve system but would specifically focus on storing refined petroleum products, such as gasoline or diesel, rather than just crude oil. The goal of the proposal is to ensure that the Western United States has a dedicated supply of ready-to-use fuel in the event of a major supply disruption or emergency.
If enacted, the bill could provide a safety net for consumers and businesses in Western states by helping to stabilize fuel availability during natural disasters or energy shortages. By maintaining a local supply of refined fuel, the government aims to reduce the time it takes to get gas and diesel to pumps when traditional supply chains are interrupted. The bill has currently been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.