Build refineries in Northwest

We have such an abundant supply of oil (oil sands and shale) nearby in Canada, North Dakota, Wyoming and northern Utah that all those big oil companies (making billions and paying little, if any taxes) are pestering us to build a pipeline to send an especially toxic petroleum slurry across America’s heartland to Houston.

Yet many of the refineries are being shut down here locally creating artificial shortages and high gas prices regionally, especially when refinery fires cut into local distribution.

Here’s an idea. Why not insist that they build big refineries here in the Northwest near all those big oil and shale deposits so that our area will benefit from all the jobs and lower gas prices instead of sending it to Houston where it can be easily shipped off to third world countries.

Such a beneficial and environmentally friendly approach could be a reasonable option if one side of the aisle wasn’t owned by the oil companies. Which side? Here’s a hint. The same side that is owned by Wall Street bankers and international corporations – the Cathy McMorris Rodgers side.

William Betz

Newport, Wash.