United States Refinery Revitalization Act of 2004

UNITED STATES REFINERY REVITALIZATION ACT OF 2004 -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 18, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2004

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleague to join me in opposing a bill that fails to protect human health, our environment and our economy. In the name of reducing gas prices, the House today is debating legislation that will allow the Secretary of Energy to overturn the environmental and health concerns of our federal, state and local leaders.

We need to increase our Nation's refinery capacity. Refineries are running full speed to meet gasoline demand. There are many reasons, however, why the number of domestic refineries has declined since the early 1980s. Congress should examine how consolidation in this industry affects gas prices.

There have been no hearings on today's bill. No record has been established that fully describes the impact of this legislation on gasoline prices, refining capacity, our environment and especially our public health. Instead of finding ways to ensure that our refineries protect the public's health, House Republican leaders want to allow the Secretary of Energy to override clean air, clean water and hazardous waste laws. There was recently a discharge from a local refinery in Newport, Minnesota. My constituents were concerned that their homes and yards were covered with a fine white dust when they woke up a few weeks ago. They didn't know the dust wasn't toxic and dangerous to their health.
This bill doesn't protect their public health from future threats.

The Environmental Council of the States, the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials oppose this bill. The House should heed their warnings and reject this bill today.