Western Refined Fuel Reserve Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill would create a new Western Refined Fuel Storage Reserve as part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, storing ready-to-use gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel in underground salt caverns specifically for Western states.
• The reserve would protect people living in eight Western states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Department of Energy would prioritize locations near existing pipelines and in areas most likely to face fuel shortages.
• The reserve's minimum capacity would be 10 million barrels total: 5 million barrels of gasoline, 3 million barrels of diesel, and 2 million barrels of jet fuel. The government would have five years to fill it to at least 75 percent capacity.
• The Secretary of Energy could release fuel from the reserve during emergencies, supply disruptions, or other circumstances consistent with the Strategic Petroleum Reserve's mission. State and local governments could also store non-federal fuel at the site.
• The Department of Energy must identify and select a storage location within 6 months and submit annual reports to Congress on the reserve's establishment and operations starting one year after enactment.