Bills · HR 7384
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7384Environmental Protection
Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act of 2026
INTRO FEB 4· LAST ACTION FEB 4
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
7
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to prevent potentially catastrophic chemical accidents that could harm thousands of people. Hydrofluoric acid is a highly toxic chemical, and its release from a refinery could cause immediate deaths or permanent injuries to both workers and people living miles away. By banning its use, the bill addresses a significant public safety and environmental concern, especially in communities often disproportionately affected by industrial pollution.
If this bill becomes law, communities near refineries could feel much safer, knowing the risk of a major chemical leak is removed. Refineries would need to invest in safer, alternative technologies, which could impact gasoline production methods or costs, but would ultimately prioritize safety over the continued use of a hazardous substance. If it doesn't pass, the risk of a mass casualty event from hydrofluoric acid releases at these refineries would remain.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Prohibits new petroleum refineries from using hydrofluoric acid starting immediately upon the bill becoming law.
This prevents future facilities from adopting a dangerous chemical process and ensures new construction adheres to safer standards from the outset.
PROVISION 02
Requires existing petroleum refineries to stop using hydrofluoric acid within five years after the bill becomes law.
This provides a transition period for current refineries to switch to safer alternatives, protecting communities and workers from existing risks.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a civil penalty of $37,500 for each violation if a refinery continues to use hydrofluoric acid after the prohibition takes effect.
This provides a strong financial incentive for refineries to comply with the ban and discourages non-compliance.
PROVISION 04
Eliminates the possibility for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to grant waivers or exemptions for this prohibition.
This ensures the ban is absolute and cannot be circumvented, strengthening the bill's intended safety impact.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 7
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
35
BILLS LED
44
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 7 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 4
Introduced in House
FEB 4
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7384
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 4, 2026
Last actionFeb 4, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 4, 2026
House BillHR 7384Environmental Protection
Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act of 2026
INTRODUCED FEB 4, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 4, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
7
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
