Fossella: No Refinery at SI Homeport
Fossella: No Refinery at SI Homeport
April 27, 2005
Fossella Says Homeport Should Not Be Considered for Oil Refinery
[Washington, DC] - Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY13) today declared his opposition to siting an oil refinery at the former Navy Homeport on Staten Island as the White House unveiled a proposal to use ex-military bases for such purposes.
In a letter to Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, Fossella turned thumbs down to the former Homeport being considered for a refinery, arguing it would negatively impact the local community and also short circuit redevelopment plans for the site. Bush unveiled his proposal during a speech before a Small Business Administration conference in Washington.
"I want to state my unqualified opposition to building a refinery at the Homeport," Fossella said. "The Homeport would be the least ideal location for a refinery for a variety of reasons, most notably its negative impact on the surrounding community. The Homeport is a jewel of New York City, and while its redevelopment has encountered some bumps in the road, there is no doubt it hold tremendous potential for a positive community reuse. A refinery is not consistent with such plans."
Fossella argued that area residents are already plagued by a power plant built several years ago in a residential section of Rosebank.
"Rosebank residents are already dealing with a poorly sited power plant, located within feet of a residential community," Fossella said. "The plant has unfortunately had several environmental violations and continues to operate despite opposition of residents living within feet of its walls. Such a scenario should not be repeated."
"I share the goal of the Congress and Administration of developing a comprehensive national energy policy that takes significant, positive long-term steps to reduce both the high gas prices we see today and our nation's dependence on foreign oil," Fossella said. "While I am continuing to work to reduce gas prices and appreciate the Administration's efforts in this area, I believe this proposal, if implemented, would negatively impact Staten Island."
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ny13_fossella/050427_SI_Homeport.html