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Bill

HB 4941

Relating to the establishment of a strategic fuel reserve program in this state.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Pat Curry

Texas bill establishes state-managed strategic fuel reserves to ensure energy security during supply disruptions and emergencies.

Withdrawn from schedule
#disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #emergencymanagement #texasdivisionof(vp6fw) #environmentalquality #texascommissionon(v0334) #energy--fuelstorage(i0319) #energy--general(i0315) #generallandoffice(v2808) #governor(i0375) #oil&gas(i0545) #railroadcommission(v0089) #storagetanks(s0408) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749)
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Bill Summary · HB 4941

Legislative bill overview

HB 4941 proposes establishing a strategic fuel reserve program in Texas, which would create state-managed stockpiles of fuel to ensure energy security during emergencies or supply disruptions. The bill would likely establish procedures for acquiring, storing, and deploying fuel reserves at the state level, similar to the federal Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Why is this important

Energy supply disruptions from natural disasters, grid failures, or geopolitical events can cripple state infrastructure and economy. A state-level fuel reserve could provide critical buffers to maintain transportation, emergency services, and essential operations during crises, particularly relevant given Texas's experience with weather-related outages and its role as a major energy producer.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: Creating and maintaining strategic reserves requires substantial capital investment and ongoing operational costs; unclear whether this comes from general revenue, bonds, or dedicated sources
  • State vs. federal authority: Potential overlap with federal Strategic Petroleum Reserve; questions about whether state reserves duplicate federal efforts or address gaps federal reserves don't cover
  • Implementation logistics: Practical challenges around storage location, capacity, fuel type diversity (gasoline, diesel, heating oil), rotation of stock to prevent degradation, and emergency deployment mechanisms remain unspecified

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

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