hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Bans hazardous hydrofluoric acid at petroleum refineries.
Rep. Waters (D-CA) and 6 co-sponsors.
Introduced in House, awaiting committee review.
This bill, sponsored by Representative Waters (D-CA) and six other Democrats, aims to make petroleum refineries safer by prohibiting the use of hydrofluoric acid, a highly toxic chemical. It currently sits in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where it must pass before it can be considered by the full House.
Introduced Feb 4, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 4, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It must pass this committee, then pass a vote in the full House, then pass the Senate, and finally be signed by the President to become law.
If this bill becomes law, petroleum refineries that currently use hydrofluoric acid would be required to switch to alternative, safer methods for producing high-octane gasoline within five years. This change could lead to a reduction in the risk of mass casualty events for people living within 25 miles of these refineries, and improve safety for refinery workers. New refineries would be banned from using the chemical immediately.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe this ban is crucial to prevent mass casualties from highly toxic chemical releases at refineries, noting safer alternatives exist.
Critics Say
Critics might argue it imposes significant conversion costs on refineries or affects gasoline production.
Supporters point to the fact that hydrofluoric acid is an exceptionally hazardous chemical, posing a risk of death or permanent injury to over 14 million people living near the approximately 40 refineries that use it. They highlight that safer, commercially proven alternatives already exist and are used in most refineries. Critics, while not directly addressed in the bill text, typically raise concerns about the economic impact on industries required to change their processes, including potential conversion costs and how it might affect fuel production or prices.