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| Wednesday, Feb 13 2008 5:59 PM
Last Updated: Wednesday, Feb 13 2008 5:59 PM
1. The Kern County Planning Commission must approve the project. If the commission’s decision is appealed, the Board of Supervisors would have the final say.
The county planning department plans to issue a revised environmental impact report in the next few weeks. Once released, the public can submit written comments on the document. People can also voice their opinion during a public hearing held prior to the commission’s vote.
2. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District must issue an air permit authorizing the project. This requires the refinery to submit a plan to comply with air regulations.
The air district also reviews the project to ensure it won't drastically increase the concentration levels of pollution in the air.
3. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must issue an air permit to proceed. EPA held a public hearing on the permit in December and took written comments through January. The agency is now reviewing those comments and expects to issue a final decision on the permit in several months.