State Corporation Commissioner urges tax breaks to encourage more refineries

Thursday, September 8th 2005, 3:57 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode says more state and federal tax breaks are needed to encourage oil companies to increase refining capacity in Oklahoma.

She says Congress should offer tax incentives, changes in environmental policies and financial assistance.

She's also urging Governor Brad Henry and the state Legislature to enact tax incenties and take action to limit what she calls -- quote -- "environmental overkill."

She says it's in the national interest for Oklahoma to increase its refining capability.

Oklahoma has five refineries, which employ more than 5,500 people. At one time, the state had 13 refineries.

Bode spoke Thursday to members of the American Petroleum Institute.