Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. Takes on Big Oil with Three-Bill Package to Protect Taxpayers

September 3, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON , D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) introduced a three-bill package to hold Big Oil accountable and stop these companies from passing their costs onto American taxpayers. While Americans struggle with rising costs for gas, groceries, and utility bills, major oil companies reported more than $40 billion in combined profits in the second quarter of 2026. For decades, Big Oil has taken advantage of outdated rules, weak penalties and careless oversight to shortchange taxpayers while they rake in record profits. Congresswoman Dexter’s legislation would close these loopholes, strengthen enforcement and require Big Oil, not hardworking taxpayers, to pay for the damage it leaves behind. “Big Oil has had a free pass for far too long, raking in billions in profits while taxpayers are left to foot the bill,” Congresswoman Dexter said . “We need a course correction; it’s time for oil and gas companies to play by the rules and pay their fair share. When they break the rules and leave our communities at risk, they should be held accountable. Taxpayers should not be stuck paying for Big Oil’s mess.” Taxpayer Relief from Big Oil Act The Taxpayer Relief from Big Oil Act would close outdated loopholes that allow oil and gas companies to reduce what they pay the American people for drilling on public lands and waters. The bill would: End outdated loopholes that allow oil and gas companies to pay less than they owe; Create clear and consistent rules for transportation costs companies deduct from their payments for drilling on federal lands; and Require annual public reports showing which companies request relief and how much those breaks cost taxpayers. Read bill text here . Penalties for Polluters Act The Penalties for Polluters Act would strengthen penalties for oil and gas companies that break the rules and make sure affected communities see the benefits. The bill would: Double outdated penalties so companies cannot simply write off fines as the cost of doing business; and Create a Penalty Revenue Reinvestment Fund to direct money from penalties toward communities impacted by violations. Read bill text here . Plug Offshore Wells Act The Plug Offshore Wells Act would increase oversight of offshore oil and gas wells and help prevent taxpayers from being stuck with cleanup costs. The bill would: Require annual reporting on offshore oil and gas well cleanup to track whether companies are meeting their responsibilities and identify potential costs to taxpayers. The three bills are backed by taxpayer watchdog, conservation and environmental organizations, including Taxpayers for Common Sense, Alaska Wilderness League, League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, Ocean Conservancy, Oceana, Earthjustice, Surfrider Foundation and the Center for Biological Diversity. “Currently, oil and gas interests have free rein to drill and exploit public lands, damaging ecosystems and ripping off taxpayers to extract public resources,” said Miranda Badgett, Senior Government Relations Representative at The Wilderness Society. “The Taxpayer Relief from Big Oil and Penalties for Polluters Acts take important steps to hold oil and gas companies accountable to the public and create a more transparent system that fossil fuel interests have taken advantage of for far too long. Thank you Congresswoman Dexter for these important bills to keep the lands we rely on safe and open for generations to come.” “Oil and gas companies profiting from public resources should pay what they owe, follow the rules, and clean up after themselves,” said Bobby McEnaney, Senior Policy Strategist at Natural Resources Defense Council. “This package brings some much-needed common sense and accountability to outdated policies that have too often left taxpayers with the short end of the stick.” Read bill text here . ### Issues : Climate Congress Energy