Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act

Hozzl · 2023-12-15T16:05:40Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 218 Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Energy. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/15/2023, 4:05 PM

Summary of Bill S 218

Bill 118 s 218, also known as the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to prevent China from gaining control or access to America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a stockpile of emergency crude oil that the US government maintains in case of a national energy crisis. It is meant to ensure that the country has a stable supply of oil in times of need. The bill aims to protect this important resource from being influenced or controlled by foreign entities, particularly China.

If passed, the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act would prohibit the sale or transfer of any oil from the SPR to China. It would also require the Secretary of Energy to conduct a review of any existing agreements or contracts related to the SPR to ensure that they do not pose a risk of Chinese control. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to safeguard America’s energy security and prevent potential national security threats that could arise from China gaining access to the SPR. Critics, however, may argue that the bill could have negative economic consequences or strain diplomatic relations with China. Overall, the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act is an important piece of legislation that aims to protect a vital national resource from foreign influence. Its passage would have significant implications for US energy policy and national security.

Congressional Summary of S 218

Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act

This bill prohibits the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from selling petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) from the SPR to any entity that is under the ownership or control of China. Further, DOE must require as a condition of any sale of crude oil from the SPR that the oil not be exported to China.

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Current Status of Bill S 218

Bill S 218 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 1, 2023. Bill S 218 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on February 1, 2023. Bill S 218's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. as of February 1, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 218

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 218

Primary Policy Focus

Energy

Potential Impact Areas

AsiaChinaEnergy storage, supplies, demandOil and gasStrategic materials and reservesTrade restrictions

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 218

Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China ActProtecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China ActA bill to prohibit the Secretary of Energy from sending petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China, and for other purposes.

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