H.R. 7384: Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act of 2026

The "Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act of 2026" is legislation aimed at reducing the risks associated with the use of hydrofluoric acid, a highly hazardous chemical, in petroleum refineries. The bill establishes the following key provisions:

Findings

1. Hydrofluoric acid is used in large quantities in approximately 40 petroleum refineries across the United States to produce high octane gasoline.

2. There are concerns regarding the vulnerability of refineries to accidents, natural disasters, and intentional acts that could lead to the release of large amounts of this chemical.

3. Past incidents have shown that such releases can cause serious injuries or fatalities among refinery workers.

4. A significant release of hydrofluoric acid could also pose a mass casualty risk to nearby communities, with potential impacts extending up to 25 miles away.

5. Over 14 million people live in areas at risk for chemical exposure due to proximity to these refineries, and these communities often face additional environmental challenges.

6. Alternative technologies exist that allow refineries to produce gasoline without using hydrofluoric acid, and many refineries have already adopted these safer methods.

7. New refineries will be prohibited from using hydrofluoric acid, and existing refineries will have to transition to safer alternatives within five years of the bill's enactment.

Prohibition on Hydrofluoric Acid Usage

The bill amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to enforce the following:

• New Refineries: No new petroleum refinery may use hydrofluoric acid for refining petroleum once this section is enacted.
• Existing Refineries: Existing refineries will be prohibited from using hydrofluoric acid five years after this legislation is enacted.
• Civil Penalties: Violating this prohibition will result in a civil penalty of $37,500 for each instance of non-compliance.
• Waiver Authority: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator will not have the authority to grant waivers regarding this prohibition.

Overall Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to enhance public safety by eliminating the use of a dangerous chemical in petroleum refining processes, thereby preventing potential mass casualty events and protecting communities near refineries.

Relevant Companies

• PSX - Phillips 66: As a large refiner that currently uses hydrofluoric acid, Phillips 66 would need to transition to alternative refining processes if this legislation is enacted.
• HFC - HollyFrontier Corporation: Another major oil refining company that would be impacted by the mandate to stop using hydrofluoric acid in their operations.