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For Immediate
Release
2/6/12
Senate Majority Policy Committee Examines Statewide Impact of
Southeast PA Refinery Closures
Harrisburg – The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted
Erickson (R-26), held a public hearing today to examine the possible impact of
three planned oil refinery closures on statewide fuel supplies.
The refineries, located in Philadelphia, Marcus Hook and Trainer, supply
gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil and other petroleum products across the
commonwealth and elsewhere. The facilities have been put up for sale and could
be dismantled.
"While we must consider the impact on fuel supplies, the most important issue
is the potential job loss if the refineries close down," said Senator Erickson.
"We've got to work even harder to keep these refineries open. The loss of jobs
would be devastating."
The committee heard from energy researcher and consultant Kevin J. Lindemer;
Russell D. Christoff and John Kulik of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Marketers and
Convenience Store Association (PPMCSA); and Dennis Rochford of the Maritime
Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay.
Mr. Lindemer discussed
a report he prepared for PPMCSA titled "Market Implications of East Coast
Refinery Closings," which outlined the driving forces behind East Cost refinery
closures and their impact.
Mr. Kulik told the committee that losing the Philadelphia refinery, in
addition to those that have closed in Marcus Hook and Trainer, would be a
serious blow.
"The shuttering of all three refineries in question would result in a
historic quantum change in how energy is provided to the Commonwealth. We would
no longer have the strong production presence within the state that has been
there back to the invention of the automobile," he said.
He noted the impact of the closings could be especially serious in the
Pittsburgh region, where federal regulations require use of a specific blend of
gasoline provided by the refineries, and urged that the requirement be repealed
or at least suspended for the summer.
Dennis Rochford, president of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River
and Bay, testified that the Gulf of Mexico has refinery capacity to fill the
void. However, he indicated that the higher costs associated with shipping the
oil as well as the availability of tankers or barges to bring the product from
the Gulf are issues that must be considered.
NOTE: Testimony and video of the hearing is posted on Senator Erickson's
website,
senatorerickson.com.
CONTACT:
Michele Hansarick
717-787-1350
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