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DAQ/Public Hearing on the
Proposed Expansion of the
Tesoro Refinery. Time for some
citizen outrage
We need the public to make a show of force in demanding that the refineries not be allowed to
pollute more. Come support your neighbors and send a message to Governor Herbert, the DAQ and the refineries--
We have a right not to breathe
more refinery pollution!
Tesoro wants to make more money. So do the other refineries. Wouldn't we all? But Tesoro wants you to help them make more money by letting them put 10-15% more of their PM2.5, NOx, SO2 and Benzene into your heart, lungs, nervous system, and your DNA...and that of your kids and grandkids as well...and that of your
future, unborn kids. In their document explaining and justifying this permit the DAQ states:
"Salt Lake refineries can purchase these [Uinta Basin black] waxy crudes at a discount...which makes them economically attractive. Area refineries also hope to capitalize on the increased market for petroleum products in Cedar City and Las Vegas resulting from construction of the new UNEV oil pipeline. The Utah legislature passed a concurrent resolution during the 2012 session supporting and encouraging new...facilities that enhance the production and value of Uintah black wax, reinforcing state backing of increased black wax production and
refining."
Let me translate that for you: the state agency mandated to protect your health is justifying this because it allows the refineries to make more money and the legislature told them to. In other words, the DAQ is prioritizing the profits of the refineries over protecting your health. The DAQ says the increase in pollution isn't "significant." They say that about every permit, and every polluting industry says that about themselves, "It's not my pollution that's the problem, it's everyone else's." That's what Kennecott said, that's what all the other refineries will say next. At some point we have to draw the line. If we don't, we will simply
smother Utah's future! The DAQ won't do anything about it, citizens will have to.
See the editorial in the Tribune Sunday morning, at:
The Tribune is wrong about one thing. Public outrage can make a
difference. In fact, that is exactly what made the difference in killing the Holly pet coke plant 3 years ago. It's time to bring out the pitch forks again.
Please come to the hearing:
Tuesday, April 17, 6:30 pm at the Multi-Agency State Office Building 1950 West, 195 North, room 1015. This is the new, gray building set back from North Temple about 300 yards.
Bring signs, bring a speech, come prepared to let the DAQ, the governor and the media know what you think about how industry always gets whatever they want, no matter what the pollution consequences are.
Before April 23, send your written comments to:
To help you prepare what you want to say at the hearing, and/or your written comments, the UPHE website has a summary of the issues of refinery pollution and expansion. Go to:
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