U.S. Must Increase Its Refining Capacity (Rep. Barbara Cubin)
June 24th, 2008
On Friday, I introduced H.R. 6329, a bill that will increase America’s refining capacity. I understand a lot of steps are necessary to effectively combat the energy crunch, but the bill I introduced makes crucial strides. No new refinery has been built in the U.S. since before my second son was born. He is now a practicing physician. My bill addresses this refining problem head-on by streamlining the construction of new refineries and making it easier for existing refineries to expand.
H.R. 6329 directs the Secretary of Energy to designate at least five “brownfield” sites appropriate for the construction of new refineries. Brownfields are properties where perceived or real minimal concentrations of hazardous waste or pollution deter reuse of the land. Many have been successfully cleaned-up for other beneficial local purposes, but thousands still sit idle across our nation.
With thousands of brownfields in the U.S., I am confident that there are numerous communities that will invite the increased local tax base, jobs, and new fuel that comes with the building of a local refinery. Just the same, I think it is vital that local communities are given the option to choose how they would like to use the land in their area. For this reason, my bill gives governors the ability to take a designated brownfield site in their state off the table for construction of a refinery.
Constructing new refineries on brownfields will certainly take some time, which makes it all the more imperative to act quickly on my bill. In the meantime, to increase the supply of fuel on the market even more quickly, my legislation also helps existing refineries expand their capacity. It does this by offering a tax deduction to any existing refinery that either increases its overall capacity by at least 5 percent or the amount of refined fuels to market by at least 25 percent.
The American people have told us they are frustrated and want to see a decrease in the price of gas. I have listened to their needs closely and share their frustrations. I drafted this bill to help American families and help our country. My bill will make real progress toward our energy security and produce real results for the American consumer.
Permalink | Comment on this post (1)
By
