June 7, 2006

            “This common-sense legislation could be very beneficial for communities like Texarkana that seek to revitalize closed military installations,” Hall said.  “Lone Star Ammunition Plant would be an ideal location for a refinery.  Texarkana serves four States – which could mean 8 Senators supporting a refinery.  It is far enough inland and not subject to the vicissitudes of nature, and it has the support of local officials.”  

            “I appreciate Bowie County Judge James Carlow, Mayor James Bramlett, Miller County Judge Roy John McNatt, Mayor Horace Shipp, and Linda Crawford and others at the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce for their timely letter of support,” Hall stated.

            “Not only have we not built a new refinery in America since 1976 – the number of refineries has actually decreased dramatically since then,” Hall said.  “In the meantime, our population has increased by 50 million and our need for fuel has dramatically increased.  The result is that the U.S. has become far too dependent on foreign energy sources.”

            The Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act directs the President to designate three or more closed military installations as potentially suitable for the construction of a refinery.  It speeds the application process for construction of new refineries and authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to provide financial assistance to help a state with applications to build or expand refineries.  It allows any federal agency to provide technical, legal or other non-financial aid to help states apply for new or expanded refineries.

            “We need this legislation, and I hope the Senate will follow suit and pass this or a similar bill,” Hall said.  “Helping a willing local community to site a refinery on its closed military installation is good public policy.  A new refinery brings jobs and creates a healthy tax base for a community – and it helps increase energy supplies and thereby reduce energy costs for all Americans.”