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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBig oil asks government to protect it from climate change without a hint of irony
https://apnews.com/4adc5a2a2e6b45df953ebcba6b63d171PORT ARTHUR, Texas (AP) As the nation plans new defenses against the more powerful storms and higher tides expected from climate change, one project stands out: an ambitious proposal to build a nearly 60-mile spine of concrete seawalls, earthen barriers, floating gates and steel levees on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Like other oceanfront projects, this one would protect homes, delicate ecosystems and vital infrastructure, but it also has another priority to shield some of the crown jewels of the petroleum industry, which is blamed for contributing to global warming and now wants the federal government to build safeguards against the consequences of it.
The plan is focused on a stretch of coastline that runs from the Louisiana border to industrial enclaves south of Houston that are home to one of the worlds largest concentrations of petrochemical facilities, including most of Texas 30 refineries, which represent 30 percent of the nations refining capacity.
Texas is seeking at least $12 billion for the full coastal spine, with nearly all of it coming from public funds. Last month, the government fast-tracked an initial $3.9 billion for three separate, smaller storm barrier projects that would specifically protect oil facilities.
That followed Hurricane Harvey, which roared ashore last Aug. 25 and swamped Houston and parts of the coast, temporarily knocking out a quarter of the areas oil refining capacity and causing average gasoline prices to jump 28 cents a gallon nationwide. Many Republicans argue that the Texas oil projects belong at the top of Washingtons spending list.
Our overall economy, not only in Texas but in the entire country, is so much at risk from a high storm surge, said Matt Sebesta, a Republican who as Brazoria County judge oversees a swath of Gulf Coast.
But the idea of taxpayers around the country paying to protect refineries worth billions, and in a state where top politicians still dispute climate changes validity, doesnt sit well with some.
Like other oceanfront projects, this one would protect homes, delicate ecosystems and vital infrastructure, but it also has another priority to shield some of the crown jewels of the petroleum industry, which is blamed for contributing to global warming and now wants the federal government to build safeguards against the consequences of it.
The plan is focused on a stretch of coastline that runs from the Louisiana border to industrial enclaves south of Houston that are home to one of the worlds largest concentrations of petrochemical facilities, including most of Texas 30 refineries, which represent 30 percent of the nations refining capacity.
Texas is seeking at least $12 billion for the full coastal spine, with nearly all of it coming from public funds. Last month, the government fast-tracked an initial $3.9 billion for three separate, smaller storm barrier projects that would specifically protect oil facilities.
That followed Hurricane Harvey, which roared ashore last Aug. 25 and swamped Houston and parts of the coast, temporarily knocking out a quarter of the areas oil refining capacity and causing average gasoline prices to jump 28 cents a gallon nationwide. Many Republicans argue that the Texas oil projects belong at the top of Washingtons spending list.
Our overall economy, not only in Texas but in the entire country, is so much at risk from a high storm surge, said Matt Sebesta, a Republican who as Brazoria County judge oversees a swath of Gulf Coast.
But the idea of taxpayers around the country paying to protect refineries worth billions, and in a state where top politicians still dispute climate changes validity, doesnt sit well with some.
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Big oil asks government to protect it from climate change without a hint of irony (Original Post)
CousinIT
Aug 2018
OP
Wwcd
(6,288 posts)1. Kinda like the cries for bail outs after the housing crisis.
Save us from the mess we created so we could become billionaires!!
dhol82
(9,353 posts)2. Isn't socialism wonderful?
For corporations?
Bunch of humps!
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)3. Similar to a criminal asking for protection from the victims.
But the bought and sold GOP will of course find the money by cutting childrens' programs.