42 U.S.C. § 6241
(d) Presidential finding prerequisite to drawdown and sale
(2) For purposes of this section, in addition to the circumstances set forth in section 6202(8) of this title, a severe energy supply interruption shall be deemed to exist if the President determines that—
(e) Sales procedures
(g) Directive to carry out test drawdown and sale
(8) Notice to congress.—
(C) Detailed description.—
(h) Prevention or reduction of adverse impact of severe domestic energy supply interruptions
(1) If the President finds that—
then the Secretary may, subject to the limitations of paragraph (2), draw down and sell petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
(2) Petroleum products from the Reserve may not be drawn down under this subsection—
(j) Purchases from Strategic Petroleum Reserve by entities in insular areas of United States and Freely Associated States
(1) Definitions In this subsection:
(G) Notice of sale The term “notice of sale” means the document that announces—
(2) In general In the case of an offering of a quantity of petroleum product during a drawdown of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve—
(A) the State of Hawaii, in addition to having the opportunity to submit a competitive bid, may—
(3) Limitation on quantity
(4) Adjustments
(B) Upward adjustment The Secretary shall adjust upward to the next whole number increment of a full tanker load if the quantity to be sold is—
(7) Eligible entities
(Pub. L. 94–163, title I, § 161, , 89 Stat. 888; Pub. L. 95–619, title VI, § 691(b)(2), , 92 Stat. 3288; Pub. L. 99–58, title I, § 103(a), (b)(2), , 99 Stat. 103, 104; Pub. L. 101–383, §§ 3(b), 8, 10, , 104 Stat. 727, 735; Pub. L. 102–486, title XIV, § 1401, , 106 Stat. 2993; Pub. L. 105–388, § 9(a), , 112 Stat. 3482; Pub. L. 106–469, title I, § 103(15), , 114 Stat. 2031; Pub. L. 114–74, title IV, § 401(a), , 129 Stat. 588; Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title V, § 5010(c), , 130 Stat. 1198; Pub. L. 115–123, div. C, title II, § 30204(c), , 132 Stat. 127; Pub. L. 115–141, div. O, title V, § 501(c), , 132 Stat. 1080.)
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (j)(6), (7)(A), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 94–163, , 89 Stat. 871, as amended, known as the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6201 of this title and Tables.
2018—Subsec. (h)(1)(C), (D). Pub. L. 115–123, § 30204(c)(1), added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpar. (C) as (D).
Subsec. (h)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted “340,000,000” for “350,000,000”.
Pub. L. 115–123, § 30204(c)(2), substituted “350,000,000” for “450,000,000”.
2016—Subsec. (h)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 114–255 substituted “450,000,000” for “500,000,000”.
2015—Subsec. (g)(8). Pub. L. 114–74 added par. (8) and struck out former par. (8) which read as follows: “The Secretary shall transmit to both Houses of the Congress a detailed explanation of the test carried out under this subsection. Such explanation may be a part of any report made to the President and the Congress under section 6245 of this title.”
2000—Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(A), substituted “sale of petroleum products” for “distribution of the Reserve” in section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(B), substituted “drawdown and sell petroleum products in” for “drawdown and distribute”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(C), struck out subsec. (b) which read as follows: “Except as provided in subsections (c), (f), and (g) of this section, no drawdown and distribution of the Reserve may be made except in accordance with the provisions of the Distribution Plan contained in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan which has taken effect pursuant to section 6239(a) of this title.”
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(C), struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: “Drawdown and distribution of the Early Storage Reserve may be made in accordance with the provisions of the Distribution Plan contained in the Early Storage Reserve Plan until the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan has taken effect pursuant to section 6239(a) of this title.”
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(D), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “Neither the Distribution Plan contained in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan nor the Distribution Plan contained in the Early Storage Reserve Plan may be implemented, and no drawdown and distribution of the Reserve or the Early Storage Reserve may be made, unless the President has found that implementation of either such Distribution Plan is required by a severe energy supply interruption or by obligations of the United States under the international energy program.”
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(E), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) read as follows: “The Secretary may, by rule, provide for the allocation of any petroleum product withdrawn from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in amounts specified in (or determined in a manner prescribed by) and at prices specified in (or determined in a manner prescribed by) such rules. Such price levels and allocation procedures shall be consistent with the attainment, to the maximum extent practicable, of the objectives specified in section 753(b)(1) of title 15.”
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(C), struck out subsec. (f) which read as follows: “The Secretary may permit any importer or refiner who owns any petroleum products stored in the Industrial Petroleum Reserve pursuant to section 6236 of this title to remove or otherwise dispose of such products upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe.”
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(F)(i), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “The Secretary shall conduct a continuing evaluation of the Distribution Plan. In the conduct of such evaluation, the Secretary is authorized to carry out test drawdown and distribution of crude oil from the Reserve. If any such test drawdown includes the sale or exchange of crude oil, then the aggregate quantity of crude oil withdrawn from the Reserve may not exceed 5,000,000 barrels during any such test drawdown or distribution.”
Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(F)(ii), struck out par. (2) which read as follows: “The Secretary shall carry out such drawdown and distribution in accordance with the Distribution Plan and implementing regulations and contract provisions, modified as the Secretary considers appropriate taking into consideration the artificialities of a test and the absence of a severe energy supply interruption. To meet the requirements of subsections (d) and (e) of section 6239 of this title, the Secretary shall transmit any such modification of the Plan, along with explanatory and supporting material, to both Houses of the Congress no later than 15 calendar days prior to the offering of any crude oil for sale under this subsection.”
Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(F)(iii), substituted “95 percent” for “90 percent”.
Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(F)(iv), substituted “test” for “drawdown and distribution”.
Subsec. (g)(6). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(F)(v), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows:
“(6)(A) The minimum required fill rate in effect for any fiscal year shall be reduced by the amount of any crude oil drawdown from the Reserve under this subsection during such fiscal year.
“(B) In the case of a sale of any crude oil under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent funds are available in the SPR Petroleum Account as a result of such sale, acquire crude oil for the Reserve within the 12-month period beginning after the completion of the sale. Such acquisition shall be in addition to any acquisition of crude oil for the Reserve required as part of a fill rate established by any other provision of law.”
Subsec. (g)(8). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(F)(vi), substituted “test” for “drawdown and distribution”.
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(G)(i), substituted “sell petroleum products from” for “distribute” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (h)(1)(C). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(G)(ii), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(G)(iii), substituted “Petroleum products from the Reserve may not” for “In no case may the Reserve” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 106–469, § 103(15)(G)(iv), substituted “sale” for “distribution” in two places.
1998—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–388 added subsec. (j).
1992—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–486, § 1401(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (h)(1)(A). Pub. L. 102–486, § 1401(2), inserted “or international” after “domestic”.
1990—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 101–383, § 8, amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “In order to evaluate the implementation of the Distribution Plan, the Secretary shall, commencing within 180 days after , carry out a test drawdown and distribution under this subsection through the sale or exchange of approximately 1,100,000 barrels of crude oil from the Reserve. The requirement of this paragraph shall not apply if the President determines, within the 180-day period described in the preceding sentence, that implementation of the Distribution Plan is required by a severe energy supply interruption or by obligations of the United States under the international energy program.”
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–383, § 3(b), added subsec. (h).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 101–383, § 10, added subsec. (i).
1985—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–58, § 103(b)(2), inserted reference to subsec. (g) of this section.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–58, § 103(a), added subsec. (g).
1978—Subsecs. (a), (e), (f). Pub. L. 95–619 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”, meaning Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration, wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 105–388, § 9(c), , 112 Stat. 3484, provided that:
“The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] takes effect on the earlier of—
- “(1) the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act []; or
- “(2) the date that final regulations are issued under subsection (b) [set out as a note below].”
Pub. L. 105–388, § 9(b), , 112 Stat. 3484, provided that:
- “(1) In general.— The Secretary of Energy shall issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section].
“(2) Administrative procedure.— Regulations issued to carry out the amendment made by subsection (a) shall not be subject to—
- “(A) section 523 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6393); or
- “(B) section 501 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7191).”
Pub. L. 115–141, div. D, title III, , 132 Stat. 520, provided that:
“as authorized by section 404 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (
Public Law 114–74;
42 U.S.C. 6239 note), the Secretary of Energy shall draw down and sell not to exceed $350,000,000 of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in fiscal year 2018:
Provided further, That the proceeds from such drawdown and sale shall be deposited into the ‘Energy Security and Infrastructure Modernization Fund’ during fiscal year 2018:
Provided further, That such amounts shall remain available until expended for necessary expenses to carry out the Life Extension II project for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve:
Provided further, That section 158 of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (division D of
Public Law 115–56), as amended by the Further Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (subdivision 3 of division B of
Public Law 115–123) [formerly set out below], shall no longer apply.”
Pub. L. 115–141, div. O, title V, § 501(a), (b), , 132 Stat. 1079, 1080, provided that:
“(a) Drawdown and Sale.—
- “(1) In general.— Notwithstanding section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241), except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of Energy shall draw down and sell 10,000,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during the period of fiscal years 2020 through 2021.
- “(2) Deposit of amounts received from sale.— Amounts received from a sale under paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury during the fiscal year in which the sale occurs.
- “(b) Emergency Protection.— The Secretary of Energy may not draw down and sell crude oil under this section in quantities that would limit the authority to sell petroleum products under subsection (h) of section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241) in the full quantity authorized by that subsection.”
Pub. L. 115–123, div. C, title II, § 30204(a), (b), , 132 Stat. 126, 127, provided that:
“(a) Drawdown and Sale.—
“(1) In general.— Notwithstanding section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241), except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of Energy shall draw down and sell from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve—
- “(A) 30,000,000 barrels of crude oil during the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2025;
- “(B) 35,000,000 barrels of crude oil during fiscal year 2026; and
- “(C) 35,000,000 barrels of crude oil during fiscal year 2027.
- “(2) Deposit of amounts received from sale.— Amounts received from a sale under paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury during the fiscal year in which the sale occurs.
- “(b) Emergency Protection.— The Secretary of Energy may not draw down and sell crude oil under this section in quantities that would limit the authority to sell petroleum products under subsection (h) of section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241) in the full quantity authorized by that subsection.”
Pub. L. 115–97, title II, § 20003, , 131 Stat. 2237, provided that:
“(a) Drawdown and Sale.—
- “(1) In general.— Notwithstanding section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241), except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Energy shall draw down and sell from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve 7,000,000 barrels of crude oil during the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2027.
- “(2) Deposit of amounts received from sale.— Amounts received from a sale under paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury during the fiscal year in which the sale occurs.
- “(b) Emergency Protection.— The Secretary of Energy shall not draw down and sell crude oil under subsection (a) in a quantity that would limit the authority to sell petroleum products under subsection (h) of section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241) in the full quantity authorized by that subsection.
- “(c) Limitation.— The Secretary of Energy shall not drawdown or conduct sales of crude oil under subsection (a) after the date on which a total of $600,000,000 has been deposited in the general fund of the Treasury from sales authorized under that subsection.”
Pub. L. 115–56, div. D, § 158, as added Pub. L. 115–123, div. B, § 20101(2), , 132 Stat. 120, required the Secretary of Energy to draw down and sell not to exceed $350,000,000 of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in fiscal year 2018 and provided for deposit of funds and availability of funds for carrying out the Life Extension II project for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, prior to Pub. L. 115–141, div. D, title III, , 132 Stat. 520, which provided that section 158 of Pub. L. 115–56, shall no longer apply.
Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title V, § 5010(a), (b), , 130 Stat. 1197, 1198, provided that:
“(a) Drawdown and Sale.—
“(1) In general.— Notwithstanding section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241), except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) [subsec. (c) amended this section], the Secretary of Energy shall drawdown and sell from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve—
- “(A) 10,000,000 barrels of crude oil during fiscal year 2017;
- “(B) 9,000,000 barrels of crude oil during fiscal year 2018; and
- “(C) 6,000,000 barrels of crude oil during fiscal year 2019.
- “(2) Deposit of amounts received from sale.— Amounts received from a sale under paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury during the fiscal year in which the sale occurs.
- “(b) Emergency Protection.— The Secretary shall not draw down and sell crude oil under this section in quantities that would limit the authority to sell petroleum products under section 161(h) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241(h)) in the full quantity authorized by that subsection.”
Pub. L. 114–94, div. C, title XXXII, § 32204, , 129 Stat. 1740, provided that:
“(a) Drawdown and Sale.—
“(1) In general.— Notwithstanding section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241), except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Energy shall drawdown and sell from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve—
- “(A) the quantity of barrels of crude oil that the Secretary of Energy determines to be appropriate to maximize the financial return to United States taxpayers for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017;
- “(B) 16,000,000 barrels of crude oil during fiscal year 2023;
- “(C) 25,000,000 barrels of crude oil during fiscal year 2024; and
- “(D) 25,000,000 barrels of crude oil during fiscal year 2025.
- “(2) Deposit of amounts received from sale.— Amounts received from a sale under paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury during the fiscal year in which the sale occurs.
- “(b) Emergency Protection.— The Secretary shall not draw down and sell crude oil under this section in quantities that would limit the authority to sell petroleum products under section 161(h) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241(h)) in the full quantity authorized by that subsection.
“(c) Increase; Limitation.—
- “(1) Increase.— The Secretary of Energy may increase the drawdown and sales under subparagraphs (A) through (I) of subsection (a)(1) as the Secretary of Energy determines to be appropriate to maximize the financial return to United States taxpayers.
- “(2) Limitation.— The Secretary of Energy shall not drawdown or conduct sales of crude oil under this section after the date on which a total of $6,200,000,000 has been deposited in the general fund of the Treasury from sales authorized under this section.”
Pub. L. 114–74, title IV, § 403, , 129 Stat. 589, provided that:
“(a) Drawdown and Sale.— Notwithstanding section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241), except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of Energy shall draw down and sell—
- “(1) 5,000,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during fiscal year 2018;
- “(2) 5,000,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during fiscal year 2019;
- “(3) 5,000,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during fiscal year 2020;
- “(4) 5,000,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during fiscal year 2021;
- “(5) 8,000,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during fiscal year 2022;
- “(6) 10,000,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during fiscal year 2023;
- “(7) 10,000,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during fiscal year 2024; and
- “(8) 10,000,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during fiscal year 2025.
- “(b) Emergency Protection.— The Secretary shall not draw down and sell crude oil under this section in amounts that would limit the authority to sell petroleum products under section 161(h) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241(h)) in the full amount authorized by that subsection.
- “(c) Proceeds.— Proceeds from a sale under this section shall be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury during the fiscal year in which the sale occurs.”