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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449
Chip Weiskotten, 202-226-8553

HERSETH SANDLIN STATEMENT ON UNION COUNTY ANNOUNCEMENT

June 13, 2007, Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin today commented on the news that Hyperion Resources, Inc. confirmed interest in locating an oil refinery in Union County, South Dakota.

Rep. Herseth Sandlin said, “My staff and I have been briefed on the oil refinery project that has been proposed for rural Union County and are continuing to gather information about the scope and implications of the project.

“While the proposal has significant economic development potential for the region, local officials must be given an opportunity to examine the details thoroughly. Fortunately, this project is in its very initial stages, and will get a much closer look before it moves forward.

“Most importantly, we need to hear from families and business owners in and around Union County, who would be most directly affected. Clearly, a project of this size could have a large impact on local agriculture, infrastructure, education and housing needs, and other community resources and services. Local citizens and officials must have an opportunity to weigh in on those issues.

“I believe that we must be committed to increasing the availability of domestically produced energy in this country, and that includes my support for increasing and geographically diversifying our national refining capacity. This commitment must be coupled with a strong and meaningful investment in renewable energy like ethanol, biodiesel, and wind.”

# # #

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.