Refining Capacity Review Is Top Priority for FTC Nominee

Oil Daily, The, June, 2004

WASHINGTON -- Deborah Majoras, the Bush administration's nominee to head the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), vowed Wednesday to review "any basis for reduction in US refining capacity" in an effort to answer concerns about rising gasoline prices.

Facing a barrage of questions from skeptical Democrats on the Senate Commerce Committee, Majoras said she would try to find out the reasons for refinery closures and the lack of new investments to increase capacity once she is confirmed as head of the FTC.

"I want to look at every refinery closing we can at the FTC to determine why refineries are being closed. I also want to know why we are not seeing investment in new refinery capacity," Majoras said.

But Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, who wants FTC...