Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act of 2026
House Committee Reviews Bill to Ban Hydrofluoric Acid at U.S. Refineries, Protecting 14M Americans
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the use of hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid) at petroleum refineries, and for other purposes.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would ban the use of hydrofluoric acid at all petroleum refineries in the United States. New refineries would be prohibited from using the chemical immediately, while existing refineries would have five years to switch to safer alternatives.
- The policy aims to protect the 14 million Americans who live within 25 miles of the 40 refineries that still use this chemical. A major leak could cause mass casualties or permanent injuries to workers and nearby residents.
- While this chemical is used to make high-octane gasoline, the bill notes that safer, commercially proven technologies already exist and are used by the majority of refineries in the country.
- Refineries that fail to stop using the chemical within the five-year window would face civil penalties of $37,500 for each violation.
- The bill specifically prevents the government from granting waivers or exceptions to this safety rule, ensuring all refineries must eventually transition to different methods.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Small businesses located near refineries that use hydrofluoric acid would benefit from reduced risk of a catastrophic chemical release that could force evacuations and shut down local commerce. On the other hand, if refineries face higher costs to convert to alternative technologies, some of those costs could ripple through local economies that depend on refinery operations and jobs.
Disabilities
Broader Impacts
State Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articlesBill targets oil refineries' use of 'exceptionally hazardous chemical'
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) is sponsoring the 'Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act,' H.R. 7384. The bill would ban refineries from using hydrofluoric acid, giving existing plants five years to find safer alternatives to the hazardous chemical.
Torrance On Edge As Leaders Go After 'Flesh-Eating' Refinery Chemical
Lawmakers have floated federal proposals that would require refineries to convert away from HF and MHF. Advocates argue the chemical is a ground-hugging, flesh-eating vapor that can travel for miles, while refinery operators insist they have layered safety barriers in place.
EPA rejects request to ban toxic chemical at oil refineries
The EPA denied a petition from environmental groups seeking a ban on hydrofluoric acid at oil refineries under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The agency called the petition 'deficient,' despite concerns over the 2019 Philadelphia refinery explosion that released 2.5 tons of the chemical.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the use of hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid) at petroleum refineries, and for other purposes.
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(7)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.