Taxpayers might be responsible of funding refinery repairs

 

(Photo by Kat Madrigal)

Last month a bill that would define oil refinery maintenance as public works passed the California state Assembly.

This means California taxpayer money could potentially be used for needed repairs at oil refineries if it passes the state senate.

“Refineries don’t need anymore subsidies from the public coffers,” said Alicia Rivera, organizer for Communities for a Better Environment. “If we do not kill this bill in the senate, the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases will get rewarded with public funds.” 

The purpose of the bill is to reduce greenhouse emissions but environmentalists fear that oil refineries will get waived from paying their own repairs in addition to the high revenues they profit from annually.

AB26 can also possibly jeopardize jobs from permanent refinery workers and give them to temporary contract workers, said Rivera.

Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla sponsored AB26, which will be introduced to the Environmental Quality Committee this Wednesday. Various Senators sit on this committee including Senator Ron Calderon from Montebello.

Environmentalists are asking California residents to contact legislators to oppose AB26 by faxing this letter to committee members. 

Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett --916-327-2433

Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg -- 916-323-2263

Environment Committee Chair Senator Jerry Hill --  916-324-0283

Environment Committee member Senator Fran Pavley-- 916-324-4823