"Oil refineries would be required to cut emissions and begin monitoring levels of toxic air pollutants at their fence lines with neighboring communities under standards proposed Thursday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The rules would require the nation's 150 major oil refineries to upgrade pollution controls for storage tanks and reduce emissions from flares, which burn off gases to relieve pressure during startup, shutdown or maintenance. Facilities would have to meet other requirements to reduce emissions that can cause respiratory problems, raise the risk of cancer and contribute to smog.

"This will result in thousands fewer tons of harmful pollutants each year and improve air quality in neighboring communities," said Janet McCabe, acting head of the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation."

Tony Barboza reports for the Los Angeles Times May 15, 2014. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Proposed EPA Rule Would Reduce Refinery Flaring, Require Fence Line Monitoring of Toxic Chemicals" (New Orleans Times-Picayune) [3]