Oklahoma Aims To Draw And Boost Refineries

Thursday, June 1st 2006, 5:17 pm

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- A bill passed in the closing hours of the Oklahoma legislative session is intended to lay out the welcome mat for construction of new oil refineries in the state.

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode helped state Rep. Lee Denney in drafting the legislation, which awaits the governor's signature.

Among other things, the bill streamlines the permit process for prospective refineries, and provides various financial incentives.

The bill included a tax break for refinery property owners and a deduction to cover the cost of complying with sulfur regulations issued by the EPA.