[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           UNITED STATES REFINERY REVITALIZATION ACT OF 2004

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                               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.

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