Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Fair and Transparent Gas Prices Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Fair and Transparent Gas Prices Act of 2026 directs the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a study on oil and gas prices. The Commission is tasked with investigating anti-competitive, collusive, or other conduct within these markets. This investigation includes looking at whether companies use financial resources in ways that do not increase fuel supply, such as through stock buybacks. The study will also examine if such conduct leads to inflated consumer costs, delayed fuel supply, or restricted alternative fuel access. The Commission must submit a report with findings and recommendations to specific congressional committees. To support this work, the Act allows for the appointment of up to 50 additional personnel and authorizes specific appropriations.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill aims to identify price gouging and anti-competitive conduct that inflates costs for consumers.
- Scored +3
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Ensuring fairer gas prices can alleviate the financial burden of fuel costs on low-income households.
- Scored +3
Would middle-income households be better off under this?
The investigation into inflated fuel costs may lead to more stable and transparent energy pricing for middle-income families.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes $15,000,000 in appropriations for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to fund the FTC study.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Investigation of Price Gouging and Inflated Costs: The study aims to determine if anti-competitive or collusive conduct results in inflated costs for consumers or is considered price gouging (Section 2(a)(2)(A)). This could help ensure fairer prices at the pump.
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Monitoring Fuel Supply: The bill requires an analysis of whether companies are reducing investments in fuel production or using financial resources in ways that do not expand the fuel supply (Section 2(a)(1)). This could lead to more stable fuel availability.
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Support for Alternative Technology: The study will examine if market conduct restricts the availability, accessibility, or affordability of alternative fuels or vehicle technology (Section 2(a)(2)(D)).
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Recommendations for Fairer Markets: The Commission is tasked with providing recommendations for legislation or administrative action to provide fair, competitive, and transparent costs and markets for consumers (Section 2(b)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Ensuring fairer gas prices can alleviate the financial burden of fuel costs on low-income households. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The investigation into inflated fuel costs may lead to more stable and transparent energy pricing for middle-income families. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Price stability in fuel markets can benefit urban residents who rely on fuel for transportation and goods.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill aims to identify price gouging and anti-competitive conduct that inflates costs for consumers. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The investigation into anti-competitive practices could lead to recommendations that promote more competitive energy markets. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes $15,000,000 in appropriations for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to fund the FTC study.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Is this likely to lower the price at the pump? — By investigating price gouging and supply restrictions, the study seeks to ensure fairer costs for fuel consumers.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the FTC to submit detailed reports to congressional committees regarding oil and gas market conduct.
- 4/21/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico