American Petroleum First Act

# Summary of the American Petroleum First Act

This bill would require that petroleum products transported through federally maintained waterways, ports, and channels in the United States be carried on American-built, American-owned, and American-crewed vessels. Essentially, it would extend domestic shipping requirements — similar to those already in place under existing maritime law (commonly known as the Jones Act) — specifically to the transportation of petroleum and petroleum-based products moving through infrastructure that the federal government helps maintain, such as dredged shipping channels and harbors.

The bill is designed to prioritize the use of U.S. maritime resources in the domestic petroleum supply chain. This would affect oil companies, fuel distributors, and shipping firms that currently may use foreign-flagged or foreign-built vessels to move oil, gasoline, and other petroleum products within U.S. waters. American shipbuilders, ship operators, and maritime workers could potentially benefit from increased demand for domestically produced and operated vessels. On the other hand, companies that rely on foreign vessels for these shipments could face higher transportation costs, which might eventually be passed along to consumers.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which would review and potentially modify the legislation before deciding whether to advance it for a vote by the full House of Representatives. No further action has been taken beyond its introduction.