This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Crony capitalism thrives in our "market solution" economy as is evidenced by the proposed Senate Bill 102. SB102 will offer tax credits to the refineries in our valley to upgrade their existing facilities to produce cleaner Tier 3 fuel. These proposed credits are substantial, in the $100 million range. (Oh education funding, wherefore art thou?)
Should not market share be enough of an incentive to offer the cleaner fuel? Why do the citizens of Utah fund the upgrades?
The health threat posed by dirty air/inversions and the concern voiced from majority of our populace leads one to conclude that the first oil company/refiner in this valley to offer cleaner Tier 3 fuel will engender the loyalty and market share of said populace.
With the price of crude oil and the wholesale price of gasoline collapsing (which equates to fat retail margins) why is Utah ranked $.05 per gallon above the national average and No. 37 in gas price in the U.S.? Oh right, lack of refineries in proximity to the Salt Lake City.
Explain with a straight face, while using no Orwellian consultant-approved doublespeak, and offering full disclosure of campaign contributions, why SB102 is needed.
Scott Fenwick
Salt Lake City