Sponsors (36)
The bill strengthens national-security protections by blocking SPR sales to certain adversary-linked buyers and sets quick rulemaking deadlines, at the cost of reduced market flexibility, potential lost sale proceeds, possible delays in emergency sales, and added compliance burdens.
Domestic consumers and taxpayers are less likely to indirectly aid designated geopolitical adversaries because the bill blocks SPR sales to buyers tied to listed adversary states or the Chinese Communist Party.
Taxpayers and national security planners retain the ability to address urgent crises because the Secretary may waive the sale ban when a certified national security interest exists, preserving flexibility for emergency responses.
State governments and the public gain clearer federal oversight and implementation timelines because the bill requires the Department of Energy to complete rulemaking on SPR disposition within 60 days.
Taxpayers and energy-sector workers may see reduced sale proceeds and less commercial/diplomatic flexibility because barring sales to entities tied to large energy buyers can limit market options and revenue from the SPR.
Taxpayers and state governments could face delayed or complicated emergency fuel responses if the waiver process is slow or politicized, hindering timely SPR sales that stabilize domestic fuel markets.
Energy workers and taxpayers may bear higher administrative costs because DOE and private contractors will need to screen buyers for ownership/control ties to listed states or the CCP, increasing enforcement and compliance burdens.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits SPR petroleum exports/sales to China, DPRK, Russia, Iran and their controlled entities unless the Energy Secretary certifies a national-security waiver; requires a rule within 60 days.
Official title: To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit the export or sale of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to certain entities, and for other purposes.
Introduced February 4, 2025 by Christina Houlahan · Last progress February 4, 2025
Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from exporting or selling petroleum products drawn from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, or entities owned or controlled by them (including entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party). The Secretary may waive the prohibition if they certify a specific export or sale is in the national security interests of the United States, and must issue an implementing rule within 60 days of enactment. The bill also inserts the new prohibition into the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and updates cross-references and the table of contents accordingly.