Bill · H.R. 7384· House(119-HR-7384)
Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 2/4/2026
- Last activity
- 2/4/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Maxine Waters
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act of 2026," seeks to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act. It aims to prohibit the use of hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid) at petroleum refineries. The legislation bans new refineries from using this chemical immediately upon enactment. Existing refineries would be required to convert to safer alternatives within five years. The bill also establishes a specific civil penalty for violations and removes the Administrator's authority to issue waivers for this prohibition.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
The bill prohibits the use of a highly hazardous chemical to prevent mass casualty events and environmental harm.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+5
The bill protects residents living near refineries from potential mass casualty chemical releases.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+5
The bill addresses environmental burdens that disproportionately impact certain communities as noted in the findings.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection from Mass Casualty Events: The bill aims to prevent immediate deaths or permanent injuries to thousands of people living, working, or traveling within a 25-mile radius of a refinery (Section 2).
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Safety for Refinery Workers: By prohibiting the use of this exceptionally hazardous chemical, the bill seeks to prevent immediate injuries or deaths to workers exposed during accidents, natural disasters, or intentional acts (Section 2).
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Reduction of Environmental Burdens: The bill notes that more than 14 million people living near refineries are at risk, and many of these communities are disproportionately impacted by environmental burdens (Section 2).
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Mandatory Transition to Safer Methods: The bill encourages the use of alternative technologies that are described as vastly safer and commercially proven (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Financial Penalties for Violations: Petroleum refineries that fail to comply with the prohibition face a civil penalty of $37,500 for each violation (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Urban Residents+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Low Income Households+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5
- 2/11/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/4/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Nanette BarragánDemocrat · California
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Robert GarciaDemocrat · California
Sydney Kamlager-DoveDemocrat · California
Ted LieuDemocrat · California
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan