From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

May 03, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson:  Local, Not Federal Control of Building Refineries

Washington DC-Congressman Jim Matheson today opposed legislation that he said masquerades as relief to consumers from rising fuel prices. The Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act-HR 5254-mandates additional federal oversight and requires state and local governments to comply with new federal management for locating, constructing or expanding a refinery.

Matheson said the provision builds on an earlier measure that he also opposed-the GAS Act-which passed last fall.

"As someone who knows the energy industry well, we need to address two fundamental concerns:  supply and price-gouging.  This bill does nothing to increase refining capacity or lower gas prices," said Matheson.

Matheson said the bill puts the federal government in the business of building refineries-a notion that should send a cold shiver down the backs of Utahns.

"I have cosponsored legislation that would address our refinery capacity crisis-HR 3680-which builds on the already-passed energy bill.  It actually helps expand capacity.  I've heard from Utah refiners that this bill offers all stakeholders a far better solution.  As an energy businessman, my opinion is that HR 3680 is the bill that will result in more refining capacity, "said Matheson

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)