EPA wants pollution rules eased for oil refineries, plants

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.

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