A new Bill designed to boost construction of new refineries in the US has cleared the latest stage of its journey to becoming law.

The House of Representatives narrowly passed the Bill by 212 votes to 210 and if it becomes law, supporters hope it can have a powerful impact on reducing the threat of energy shortages caused by the effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Despite claims from some quarters that the Bill will enable companies to bypass the strict regulations on clean air, proposals to reduce the burden of the Clean Air Act were dropped before the Bill came to the House.

Therefore, while the proposals are designed to increase interest in developing and building more refineries across the US, any that are built will still have to install pollution controls in accordance with the Clean Air Act.

The move to boost the country's production of oil comes as the country looks to recover from the recent damage caused by this year's vociferous hurricane season.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd