EPA wants pollution rules eased for oil refineries, plants

[Judi Lynn]

Sept. 9, 2006, 12:54AM
EPA wants pollution rules eased for oil refineries, plants
Critics warn the accounting method would let industries taint the air even more

By SUZANNE GAMBOA
Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration proposed easing environmental rules Friday to allow oil refineries and other industries to change how they calculate whether they need pollution control equipment.

The oil refinery industry says the eased regulation would open the way for production of more oil and other products. But environmental groups say the proposed rules are gimmicks and loopholes allowing the industry to emit more pollution, evade pollution controls and save money.

In a news release, the Environmental Protection Agency said the proposed rules will make it easier for owners and operators to determine whether changes to a plant or facility require installing pollution control equipment. The rules largely affect oil refineries and pharmaceutical and chemical plants.

U.S. refineries are planning to increase oil refining capacity by 1.4 million barrels a day and will do so under strict environmental standards, said Bob Slaughter, president of the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association.
(snip/...)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/4173822.html

[Erika]

1. W poisoning our air for big business

and the bushbots yelling "Yes"

[Carla in Ca]

2. Sad, but not surprising

EPA stands for environmental pollution agency now. After November, we can stop that madness, too!

[pinniped]

3. These evil fucks have been trying this crap since the coup.

.

[OneBlueSky]

4. um . . . aren't they supposed to be the Environmental PROTECTION . . .

Agency? . . . you know, as in PROTECTING our air, water, and soil? . . .

[Zorra]

5. Bu*h is going to kill everything on the planet, one way or another.

These people are irresponsible to the point of being certifiably insane.

[skids]

6. Obviously they don't really need this...

...since gas prices are at such (pre-election) lows. :evilgrin: :sarcasm:

[cap]

7. what can we do to stop this...

eom.. people will get sick and possibly die from this..

[RedEarth]

8. Isn't that interesting..........the oilees make me sick...hate 'em

[DeepModem Mom]

9. K&R

[Miss Chybil]

10. Geez, I'm already having a hard time breathing.

What are these companies going to do when they kill all of their customers?