Holland Reporter

On April 20, 2023, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement announcing the introduction of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Transparency Act. If a release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) occurs within 5 months of an election, this legislation would require of the Secretary of Energy to provide a written report to Congress stating why this drawdown was necessary.

“Our nation’s strategic energy reserves should be used in cases of emergency, not political expediency,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “This commonsense legislation shines a light preventing Presidents of either party from using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to influence an upcoming election. The best way to reduce and sustain lower energy prices is to increase domestic production, not play political games with our strategic reserve.”

The legislative text of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Transparency Act is available here.

Background:

In the 5 months prior to the 2022 election, President Biden depleted the SPR by more than 120 million barrels. This significant withdrawal drained the SPR to a near 40 year low, greatly diminishing our nation’s energy security. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve Transparency Act builds on H.R. 1, the Lower Costs Energy Act, as well as legislation to block the sale of oil from our SPR to China. Last month, Huizenga called on Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to refill the SPR when oil prices dipped to minimize cost to taxpayers. 

Organizations supporting the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Transparency Act include Americans for Prosperity and Heritage Action.

Original source can be found here.