Washington, D.C. -  Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly sent letters to Governor Mitch Daniels and British Petroleum (BP) requesting the information that led to the State’s granting of permission to BP to increase discharges of ammonia, sludge and particulates as a result of the expansion of the BP PLC Whiting Refinery. 

“I was surprised to hear about IDEM’s decision to allow BP’s Whiting Refinery to discharge more harmful pollutants into Lake Michigan,” Donnelly said. “I appreciate that the proposed refinery expansion would mean more fuel in the Midwest and more jobs for folks in Indiana, but the decision to allow more polluting of a national treasure and a water source for millions is one that raises concerns about our ability to strike the appropriate balance between ensuring public and environmental health and growing our economy.”

This week, it was reported that IDEM granted permission to the BP PLC Whiting Refinery to increase its discharge of ammonia by 54 percent and total suspended solids by 35 percent, and increase its discharge of particulate matter into the air by as much as four times the current limit.  

“It is my belief that in order for our country to achieve energy independence, we must include expanded domestic refinery capacity in our overall strategy,” Donnelly said. “However, at the same time, we must make every effort to limit the environmental impact that would come with expanded capacity. I hope the involved parties will respond to my request for further information so we can ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect our environment as we continue to work toward energy independence.”

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CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LETTER SENT BY CONGRESSMAN DONNELLY