Sponsors (2)
The bill funds an expedited FTC study (with staff and funding) to increase transparency and potentially lower fuel prices and improve alternative-fuel access, trading modest federal cost and greater reporting/scrutiny on energy companies for delayed, study-driven relief for consumers.
Middle-class and low-income consumers could see lower retail oil and gas prices if the FTC study uncovers anti-competitive conduct and leads to Congressional or agency action to address it.
Taxpayers and consumers could gain greater market transparency and accountability if the FTC uncovers collusion or price-gouging and issues recommendations that prompt enforcement or policy changes.
Consumers and alternative-fuel industries could benefit from study findings that identify restrictions on alternative fuel availability, potentially spurring policies to improve affordability and access to alternatives.
Middle-class and low-income consumers may wait for relief because the bill emphasizes a study and recommendations rather than immediate market intervention, so retail prices could remain high until action is taken.
Utilities and energy companies could face increased reporting burdens, reputational harm, and heightened regulatory scrutiny (including reduced PRA protections), which could affect investments and market behavior.
Taxpayers will fund the study — up to $30 million over two years — representing a modest direct federal cost.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the FTC to study whether oil and gas market conduct and corporate financial choices inflate consumer fuel prices and report findings to Congress, with funding and staffing authorization.
Official title: Require the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a study on conduct related to oil and gas prices, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 21, 2026 by Catherine Marie Cortez Masto · Last progress April 21, 2026
Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study whether oil and gas companies and markets engage in anti-competitive or collusive behavior or otherwise use corporate financial choices (like buybacks or reduced investment) in ways that raise fuel prices, delay production/delivery, or limit alternatives. The FTC must report findings and recommendations to Congress within one year and for two additional years, may hire up to 50 extra staff outside civil service rules, and the bill authorizes $15 million per year for FY2027 and FY2028 to carry out the study and reporting. The study is conducted under the FTC's 6(b) authority, may coordinate with state attorneys general, is exempt from the Paperwork Reduction Act for information collection for the study, and requires annual follow-up reports for two years after the initial report.