Cubin introduces bill for refineries

CHEYENNE - U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin has introduced a bill that aims to increase America's refining capacity and find use for vacant industrial land.

The Republican's proposal directs the secretary of energy to designate at least five "brownfield" sites appropriate for the construction of new refineries. Brownfields are properties where possible concentrations of hazardous waste or pollution deter reuse of the land.

Such sites may have had gas stations or refineries in the past. Many have been largely cleaned up but are still vacant.

The bill allows governors to remove brownfields from consideration for refinery construction.

Cubin's bill also helps existing refineries expand their refining capacity by offering tax incentives.

Her office says a new refinery has not been built in the United States since 1976.