By Associated Press
Tulsa, OK – Sinclair refinery expansion on hold
TULSA, Okla. (AP) Sinclair Oil Co.'s proposed $1 billion expansion of its west Tulsa refinery is on hold.
Sinclair spokesman John Goodwin said Friday its two-year growth project is shelved indefinitely because of "external economics." Goodwin says the work hasn't been canceled, it's just on hold.
The refinery will continue with environmental improvements required by a federal court settlement. Reports indicate Sinclair must spend millions to reduce emissions.
Sinclair Tulsa Refining Co. announced its $1 billion expansion with great fanfare in 2007, saying it planned to increase daily capacity from the current 65,000 barrels, add employees and decrease air pollution.
The expansion might have provided 1,500 temporary construction jobs as well as having a trickle-down effect on other area businesses.
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Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.