Hoekstra Votes to Increase U.S. Oil Refining Capacity

Hoekstra Votes to Increase U.S. Oil Refining Capacity

No Oil Refinery has been built in the United States Since 1976

U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, today voted for legislation designed to increase oil and biofuel refining capacity in the United States in an effort to reduce the high cost of gasoline at the pump.

"Expanding refining capacity is a step in the long-term strategy of enhancing an energy portfolio that includes conservation, new technologies and alternative fuels," Hoekstra said. "The talent and high-tech resources available in the U.S. can enable us to produce cleaner, more efficient and more affordable energy here at home."

The House passed the Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act (H.R. 5254) by a vote of 238 to 179. It will help reduce the bureaucratic red tape responsible for no new oil refinery being built in the United States since 1976.

There are currently 148 operating refineries in the U.S., down from 324 in 1981. Total capacity at operating refineries is roughly 17 million barrels per day, while total U.S. demand averages 21 million barrels per day.

"America is going to need more energy than ever in the future, and that energy should be produced in America to increase our economic and national security," Hoekstra said. "Expanding U.S. production capacity will increase stability in prices and reduce our dependency on OPEC and unstable Middle Eastern governments."

http://hoekstra.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=44943