Energy (Oil & Gas)

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 4715: Offshore Leasing Standards and Accountability Act of 2026

The Offshore Leasing Standards and Accountability Act of 2026 introduces stricter requirements for companies operating oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. To obtain or maintain a lease, operators must be certified as "fit to operate," a process that verifies their financial solvency, clean environmental and safety record over the past decade, and possession of an investment-grade credit rating. The bill also mandates that leaseholders deposit funds into an interest-bearing escrow account to cover future decommissioning costs, with payment schedules established before new leases are issued. Additionally, the legislation limits the time a well can be temporarily abandoned to three years, requiring an economic analysis to justify such status.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill imposes strict financial and safety requirements on oil and gas operators, effectively restricting fossil fuel production.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental protections by requiring operators to have clean safety records and financial stability to prevent spills.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 10, 2026

S 4735: Protecting Americans from High Electricity Prices Act of 2026

The Protecting Americans from High Electricity Prices Act of 2026 amends the Natural Gas Act to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission explicit authority to block natural gas exports if they raise prices for U.S. households or increase greenhouse gas emissions. The bill specifically defines "countries of concern" as Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and other nations deemed detrimental to U.S. national security, prohibiting energy supply to these entities. It requires the Commission to consider direct, indirect, and value-chain emissions when reviewing export applications and mandates the creation of new regulations within 30 days of enactment to enforce these criteria. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that military installations are excluded from certain export limitations and ensures agencies retain the power to deny exports that harm domestic affordability or environmental goals.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill aims to protect consumers from high prices and restrict exports to nations of concern, aligning with protecting utility consumers and national security.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by blocking natural gas exports that increase them.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Climate Change

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 4765: Let America Build Act of 2026

The Let America Build Act of 2026 primarily streamlines the process for leasing and permitting oil, gas, and mineral resources on federal lands while expanding state and tribal regulatory authority. It requires the Interior Department to resolve lease protests within 60 days and prevents lawsuits from delaying drilling permits or invalidating leases, even if environmental reviews are challenged. The bill grants states and tribes the power to issue drilling permits and regulate hydraulic fracturing on available federal land, provided they meet specific effectiveness standards. Additionally, it accelerates the approval of liquefied natural gas export projects by setting strict deadlines for federal decisions and limiting the scope of environmental reviews for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill streamlines oil and gas leasing, reduces permitting delays, and expands state/tribal authority to facilitate fossil fuel production.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill streamlines oil/gas leasing, limits lawsuits, and removes delays for drilling, directly weakening environmental protections.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Public Lands

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in committee · United States · House May 26, 2026

HR 9035: Ending Fossil Fuel Bailouts Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Ending Fossil Fuel Bailouts Act of 2026, modifies federal bankruptcy laws to specifically target oil, gas, and coal companies. It requires these companies to prioritize paying worker wages and environmental cleanup costs over other debts, including those owed to shareholders. The legislation also prevents fossil fuel firms from abandoning their assets during bankruptcy and extends the time period for investigating fraudulent financial transfers to ten years. Additionally, it prohibits the transfer of certain federal energy leases if the company holding them files for bankruptcy. These changes aim to ensure that environmental liabilities and employee compensation are addressed before other financial claims are settled.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill restricts fossil fuel bailouts and prioritizes cleanup, aligning with reducing dependence on fossil fuels.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates fossil fuel companies prioritize environmental cleanup costs over shareholder debts, directly strengthening environmental protection and remediation efforts.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates fossil fuel companies prioritize paying worker wages over shareholder debts during bankruptcy, directly protecting worker compensation rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas

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in committee · United States · House May 26, 2026

HR 9034: Offshore Leasing Standards and Accountability Act of 2026

This bill establishes new federal standards requiring oil and gas companies operating on the Outer Continental Shelf to be certified as "fit to operate" before they can obtain or maintain leases. To receive this certification, companies must demonstrate a clean safety and environmental record over the past decade, maintain an investment-grade credit rating, and prove they have sufficient funds to cover future decommissioning costs. The legislation also mandates that operators place a significant portion of estimated decommissioning costs into interest-bearing escrow accounts and limits the time a well can be temporarily abandoned to three years, with a possible one-time extension to five years. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of the Interior to conduct annual compliance checks and submit detailed reports to Congress regarding enforcement actions and escrow account balances.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill imposes strict barriers on oil and gas operations, effectively restricting fossil fuel production and limiting energy infrastructure development.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes stricter environmental standards for offshore oil and gas operations, requiring clean safety records and funds for decommissioning.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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in committee · United States · House May 20, 2026

HR 8919: To nullify the decision and order of the Endangered Species Committee with respect to certain oil and gas activities, and for other purposes.

This bill nullifies a specific decision made by the Endangered Species Committee regarding oil and gas operations in the Gulf of America. It immediately cancels any exemptions previously granted to these activities under the Endangered Species Act and bars federal agencies from using funds to enforce the canceled order. For a three-year period starting when the bill is enacted, the committee is prohibited from issuing any new exemptions for Gulf oil and gas projects. Consequently, all standard environmental protections required by the Endangered Species Act will continue to apply fully to these activities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill removes restrictions on Gulf oil and gas operations, facilitating fossil fuel production.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill nullifies Endangered Species Committee decisions and cancels exemptions for oil and gas activities, weakening environmental protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House May 21, 2026

HRES 1315: Expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, lessening reliance on foreign adversaries, supporting rural communities, and reducing carbon impacts.

This bill is a non-binding resolution that expresses support for designating May 2026 as 'Renewable Fuels Month.' It aims to highlight the economic and environmental benefits of renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, which are used in vehicles and aviation. The resolution recognizes how these fuels help lower consumer prices, create jobs in rural areas, reduce reliance on foreign oil, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Because this is a symbolic gesture rather than a law with enforceable rules, it does not change any existing policies or regulations.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly promotes renewable fuels to lower prices, reduce foreign reliance, and cut emissions.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly aims to reduce carbon impacts and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting renewable fuels.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes renewable fuels to lower prices, reduce foreign reliance, and decrease emissions, aligning with sustainable transportation goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy Climate Change Airports

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 4406: Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

This bill establishes a comprehensive research and development framework to advance next-generation geothermal technologies, specifically targeting enhanced geothermal systems, closed-loop systems, and supercritical geothermal energy. It directs the Department of Energy to create a new research program that awards milestone-based grants for deep drilling projects and establishes a center of excellence to coordinate efforts across universities, national laboratories, and private partners. Key provisions include updating federal data repositories to standardize subsurface information, commissioning deep exploration boreholes to map heat and rock properties, and funding innovations in drilling equipment, power generation efficiency, and water usage. The legislation also mandates periodic reports on the commercialization barriers of these technologies and authorizes $5 million annually through 2031 to support these initiatives.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes R&D framework and grants for next-generation geothermal technologies, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds next-generation geothermal research to promote clean energy and reduce emissions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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in committee · United States · House May 7, 2026

HR 8670: Stop Oil Exports to Lower Gas Prices Act

The Stop Oil Exports to Lower Gas Prices Act prohibits the export of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel starting in March 2026, with the goal of keeping these resources in the United States. This ban remains in effect until the President declares that military operations against Iran have ended and certifies that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open for global shipping. The law includes a specific exception allowing the President to permit crude oil exports if they cannot be efficiently refined domestically, provided the oil is refined abroad and then imported back into the United States.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill restricts crude oil exports, limiting energy market access and potentially weakening global energy infrastructure integration.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibiting crude oil exports restricts market mechanisms that often incentivize domestic production efficiency and conservation, prioritizing price stability over environmental market dynamics.75% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationThe bill restricts domestic access to fuel by prohibiting exports, which limits the availability of gasoline and diesel for transportation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 15, 2026

S 4300: JOAN Act

The JOAN Act streamlines the approval process for natural gas projects by designating the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the sole lead agency for environmental reviews and establishing strict deadlines for all involved federal and state agencies to complete their permitting steps. To speed up legal challenges, the bill creates a single, exclusive court process for lawsuits against these projects, which must be resolved within 180 days and limits the ability of courts to issue long-term injunctions or order new evidence gathering. Additionally, the legislation allows project sponsors to continue construction on unaffected parts of a project while legal disputes are ongoing and requires agencies to accept data gathered through remote surveys like aerial photography.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill streamlines natural gas project approvals and expedites permitting, advancing fossil fuel energy production.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill streamlines natural gas approvals, designates FERC as sole lead, and limits legal challenges, weakening environmental protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

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