We have received text from H.R. 7384: Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act of 2026. This bill was received on 2026-02-04, and currently has 7 cosponsors.
Here is a short summary of the bill:
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.
Representative Maxine Waters Bill Proposals
Here are some bills which have recently been proposed by Representative Maxine Waters:
- H.R.7565: To ensure sufficient food assistance for the civilian population of Gaza.
- H.R.7384: Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act of 2026
- H.R.6830: To amend the Clayton Act to permit a State attorney general to bring a civil action for damages as parens patriae for injuries sustained by reason of price discrimination in violation of the Robinson-Patman Act amendments to the Clayton Act, and for other purposes.
- H.R.6829: International Financial Access Improvements Act
- H.R.6774: To authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, acting through the Federal Housing Commissioner, to establish a pilot program to increase access to small-dollar mortgages, and for other purposes.
- H.R.6773: Databases of Publicly Owned Land Act
You can track bills proposed by Representative Maxine Waters on Quiver Quantitative's politician page for Waters.
Representative Maxine Waters Net Worth
Quiver Quantitative estimates that Representative Maxine Waters is worth $3.7M, as of February 13th, 2026. This is the 196th highest net worth in Congress, per our live estimates.
Waters has approximately $0 invested in publicly traded assets which Quiver is able to track live.
You can track Representative Maxine Waters's net worth on Quiver Quantitative's politician page for Waters.
2026 California's 43rd Congressional District Election
There has been approximately $1,122,213 of spending in California's 43rd congressional district elections over the last two years, per our estimates.
The rating for this race is currently "Solid D".
You can track this election on our matchup page for the 2026 California's 43rd congressional district election.
This article is not financial advice. See Quiver Quantitative's disclaimers for more information.
