From Congressional Quarterly Today Midday Update comes the “harmonize” solution from Sen. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island. Evidently he prefers to “harmonize,” instead of loosening up on refinery regulations. Here’s the item:
Tie Vote in Senate Panel Kills Bill to Ease Rules for Refineries
Legislation intended to spur new refinery projects fell on a 9-9 vote in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today, as Republican Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island crossed party lines to vote against the measure.
The bill would allow states to opt into a new program streamlining the permitting process for new refinery projects. It would also encourage the siting of new refineries on former military bases and authorize federal funding for state and local organizations working to redevelop those sites.
Chafee said Congress needs to ?harmonize? its approach to energy and environmental issues, which he said should involve efforts to address gasoline consumption as well as refining capacity.
Chafee also voted against the Democrats? substitute amendment, which would have directed the Environmental Protection Agency to establish and run refineries as part of a Strategic Refinery Reserve similar in concept to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That proposal was rejected 8-10.
Republican aides said Chairman James M. Inhofe, R-Okla., now will look for other ways to bring the bill to the floor.
