Sponsors (2)
The bill funds and staffs an FTC study to uncover potential anti-competitive practices in oil and gas markets that could lower prices and increase transparency, at the cost of direct federal spending, added reporting burdens for companies, reputational/regulatory risks for industry, and a delay in any immediate consumer relief.
Middle-class families and low-income individuals could see lower retail oil and gas prices if the FTC study identifies anti-competitive conduct and leads to policy or enforcement actions.
Federal oversight capacity is strengthened by authorizing $15 million per year and up to 50 additional FTC staff, enabling a faster, more comprehensive study of market practices.
Taxpayers and consumers could gain greater market transparency and accountability if the FTC uncovers collusion or price‑gouging and Congress or agencies act on recommendations.
Middle-class and low-income consumers may continue to face high retail prices while the study is conducted because the bill prioritizes investigation over immediate enforcement or market intervention.
Exempting the study's data collection from the Paperwork Reduction Act could increase reporting burdens on companies and reduce standard federal oversight protections.
Oil and gas companies could face reputational harm or increased regulatory scrutiny based on study findings even before formal enforcement, potentially affecting investments and market stability.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Directs the FTC to study whether oil and gas companies' conduct and financial decisions inflate consumer fuel prices, report to Congress, and provides funding and hiring authority for the study.
Introduced April 21, 2026 by Catherine Marie Cortez Masto · Last progress April 21, 2026
Requires the Federal Trade Commission to study whether anti-competitive or collusive conduct by oil and gas companies, or company financial decisions (such as reduced production investment or stock buybacks), have raised the price of fuel for consumers. The FTC must coordinate with state attorneys general as appropriate, report findings and recommendations to Congress within one year and again annually for two years, and is authorized additional staff and funding to carry out the study.