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S 4352

Fair and Transparent Gas Prices Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Catherine Cortez Masto

The bill directs the FTC to study oil and gas market conduct and pricing, then annually report findings and policy recommendations to promote fair, transparent energy markets.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · S 4352

Summary of Bill: S.4352 (119th Congress) – Fair and Transparent Gas Prices Act of 2026

Purpose

  • To authorize and direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a comprehensive study of conduct related to oil and gas prices.
  • The bill aims to identify anti-competitive, collusive, or other practices in oil and gas markets and to assess how such conduct affects consumer prices, fuel supply, and the availability of alternative fuels or vehicle technologies.
  • It requires annual reporting to Congress with findings and policy recommendations to promote fair, competitive, and transparent energy markets.

Key Provisions

Section 2 — FTC Study on Conduct Related to Oil and Gas Prices

  • The FTC, in coordination with appropriate state attorneys general, must conduct a study under its authority (section 6(b) of the FTC Act) to investigate:
    • Anti-competitive, collusive, or other conduct in oil and gas markets.
    • The actual prices paid by consumers for oil and gas.
  • The study must analyze whether oil and gas companies:
    • Use financial resources in ways that do not expand or increase fuel supply (e.g., reducing investments in production, engaging in stock buybacks, or similar conduct).
    • Could cause outcomes such as inflated costs or price gouging, delays in increasing fuel supply, or adverse impacts on investment decisions that would raise fuel supply.
    • Could restrict the availability, accessibility, or affordability of alternative fuels or vehicle technologies.

Section 2 — Reporting Requirements

  • The FTC must provide:
    • An initial report within 1 year after enactment, and annual reports for the following two years.
    • Each report should include results of the study and recommendations for legislation and administrative actions to ensure fair, competitive, and transparent oil and gas costs and markets.
  • The reports must be submitted to the following committees (defined as “appropriate committees of Congress”):
    • Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
    • Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
    • House Committee on Energy and Commerce
    • House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Financial Services and General Government

Section 2 — Inapplicability of Paperwork Reduction Act

  • The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply to information collection conducted under subsection (a).

Section 2 — Additional FTC Resources (Funding and Personnel)

  • The FTC may appoint up to 50 additional personnel, beyond normal civil service limits, as needed to conduct the study and prepare reports.
  • Authorized appropriations: $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to carry out this section.

Scope and Focus

  • Emphasizes transparency and consumer protection in energy markets.
  • Targets potential anti-competitive behaviors and market dynamics affecting prices, supply, and the adoption of alternative fuels or technologies.
  • Does not enact new market regulations or price controls directly; instead, it mandates an FTC-led study and subsequent recommendations to Congress.

Timeline

  • Enactment date: 2026 (assumed upon passage).
  • Initial FTC study and report due within 12 months of enactment.
  • Subsequent annual reports due for two additional years (years 2 and 3 after enactment).

Who/What is Affected

  • Federal Trade Commission (primary federal agency involved).
  • State attorneys general (in coordination for the study as appropriate).
  • Oil and gas producers and markets (subject to analysis for anti-competitive or anti-consumer practices).
  • Consumers (indirectly affected through potential policy actions and market reforms recommended by the FTC).
  • Congress (receives annual reports with findings and recommendations).
  • Budgetary resources: $15 million per year for 2027 and 2028 to support the FTC’s study activities.

Practical Implications

  • The bill does not impose immediate regulatory changes but could lead to policy actions or legislation based on FTC findings.
  • The expanded FTC authority and funding signal a heightened federal focus on examining whether market dynamics and corporate practices influence oil and gas pricing and supply.
  • By exempting information collection from the Paperwork Reduction Act, the act facilitates data gathering for the study.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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