WASHINGTON -- House Energy & Commerce Committee ranking member Representative John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) has sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman concerning the possible expansion of U.S. refining capacity through the construction of new refineries.
Dingell cited Hurricane Katrina-related and other supply disruptions, high gasoline prices and growing demand as reasons to explore the idea.
According to statistics gathered by the Energy Information Administration, some 30 refineries have closed in the United [image-nocss] States since 1995, representing over 900,000 b/d of refining capacity, Dingell said in the letter.
He asked Bodman to provide information and analysis on the following:
Whether any refiners had tried to restart any of the closed refineries. Whether any closed refineries are ready to be restarted. The last date on which the refineries yielded petroleum products and their throughput capacity at that time. Whether substantial equipment and infrastructure remain that would allow production of gasoline and other products to resume within a reasonable time. Whether appropriate transportation facilities, including necessary pipeline hookups, remain in place. Estimates of the time and capital expenditures required to reopen the facilities. Whether any effort has been undertaken to promote President Bush's proposal of putting new refineries on closed military bases. Whether there have been any inquiries regarding that idea from the industry.Dingell requested a response from Bodman by September 30.
To view the full text of the letter, click here.
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