Protect the Permian Act of 2024

HR 9759, the Protect the Permian Act of 2024, establishes an FBI-led Permian Basin Oil Theft Task Force to combat oil theft in Texas and New Mexico. The task force, funded with $1 million, coordinates with state and local law enforcement to investigate thefts and submit annual reports on prosecutions and costs. The bill also increases federal criminal penalties for oil-related theft, raising maximum sentences under key statutes from 1-10 years to 5-15 years. These changes directly affect oil industry operations and communities in the Permian Basin by strengthening enforcement against theft of oil, pipelines, and related equipment.