Congressman Vince Fong, who represents California’s 20th district, voted in favor of the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 230 to 176.
In a statement, Congressman Fong said, “The REFINER Act is a critical step toward restoring America’s energy stability, lowering costs for families, and strengthening our national security.” He added that California faces an energy affordability crisis caused by recent state policies. “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.”
Fong also expressed concerns about national security linked to declining refining capacity in California. “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.”
The REFINER Act directs the National Petroleum Council to examine factors behind declining U.S. refining capacity and propose solutions for expanding domestic production capabilities. Over recent years, North America has lost about one million barrels per day in fuel output due to insufficient refining infrastructure.
Under this legislation, the National Petroleum Council must submit a report to both Congress and the Secretary of Energy that addresses several points:
– The role petrochemical refineries play in U.S. energy security.
– Analyses on current capacity as well as opportunities for expansion.
– An assessment of federal or state actions that may have led to reduced refining capacity.
– Recommendations for increasing domestic refinery output.
The goal is to provide lawmakers with data-driven options aimed at stabilizing fuel supplies and prices across the country.
