Congressman Fong Votes to Pass REFINER Act to Boost U.S. Refining Capacity and Combat Affordability Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) voted in favor of the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support, 230–176.

“The REFINER Act is a critical step toward restoring America’s energy stability, lowering costs for families, and strengthening our national security,” said Congressman Fong (CA-20). “California is at the epicenter of an energy affordability crisis driven by Governor Newsom’s radical policies. With refinery closures and growing gasoline shortages, Californians — who already pay the highest gas and electricity prices in the nation — are being hit with even higher costs.

“California’s energy shortcomings are a national security concern. Key U.S. military installations rely on California-produced fuel, and with foreign adversaries like China becoming more aggressive, we cannot afford weakened refining capacity. The REFINER Act identifies the forces driving refinery closures and outlines a path to rebuild our domestic capacity. Strengthening America’s refineries is essential to ensuring affordable energy, reliable supply, and our nation’s defense readiness.”

Prior to voting on the REFINER Act, Congressman Fong spoke on the House Floor in favor of the legislation. Watch his remarks here.

About the REFINER Act:

The Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining Act requires the National Petroleum Council to study factors contributing to declining U.S. refining capacity and recommend solutions to expand domestic refining. Over the past several years, North America has lost an estimated one million barrels of fuel per day due to inadequate refining infrastructure. The REFINER Act ensures Congress receives the data and policy options needed to reverse this trend and maintain a stable, affordable, and secure energy supply for the American people.

The REFINER Act would require the National Petroleum Council to submit a report to the Secretary of Energy and Congress, detailing: 

• the role of petrochemical refineries in the U.S. and the contribution they make to the energy security of the United States, including the reliability of supply in the U.S. of liquid fuels and feedstocks, and the affordability of liquid fuels for consumers in the U.S.;
• analyses and projections for the capacity of petrochemical refineries in the U.S., opportunities for expanding capacity, and current risks to the refineries;
• an assessment of any Federal or State executive actions, regulations, or policies that have caused or contributed to a decline in refining capacity; and
• any recommendations for Federal agencies and Congress to encourage an increase in refining capacity.