The Ciniza Refinery fire yesterday in Gallup, NM is a vivid reminder of the exposure to danger we have with our oil refineries operating at full capacity. It has been almost impossible to open new refinery capacity in the United States for many years. We are paying a higher and higher price for environmental extremism.

By most standards, the 20,800 barrel/day Ciniza refinery, owned by Giant Industries, would be called a 'teapot,' based on its capacity. However, it has all the problems found in a typical oil refinery.

The workplace culture of a refinery is based on efficiency and safety, but accidents sometimes happen. These dangers remind us of the challenges we face in the energy business, and the reliance we have on dependable oil and gas supplies, which are too often taken for granted. More importantly, these accidents are painful reminders of the everyday dangers that our people face in the oil and gas business. I salute them, because I know the dangers they face, and how little appreciation they get from those of us who rely on their best efforts in order to enjoy our standard of living.

Posted by Dan Berard  04 09 04

Dan Berard is joining The American Thinker as our Energy Correspondent