Reuters Highlights Meehan Work to Protect SEPA Energy Jobs
How 'Big Corn' lost the ethanol battle to Philadelphia refiners
…Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines was approaching neighboring Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Meehan about buying another refinery located in his district, the 185,000 bpd Trainer plant in suburban Philadelphia. It too was slated for closure.
By fall 2012 the deals were done, saving more than 1,200 jobs and averting a possible gasoline price spike just ahead of the election, which Obama won.
Delta Air Lines’ and Carlyle’s efforts to ease US ethanol rules
March 25 - Rep. Patrick Meehan, whose district includes the refinery purchased by Delta Air Lines, hand-delivers a letter at a White House event to Gene Sperling, the top White House economic adviser at the time, asking for the administration's help in taming RIN prices.
June 17 - Meehan sponsors an amendment to the Farm Bill that would provide relief to refineries like those owned by Delta and Carlyle.
July 24 - Reps. Brady and Meehan send a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy urging her to "send a clear signal" that it will reduce ethanol mandates and tame RIN prices.
August 6 - Philadelphia Energy Solutions, the Carlyle-owned refinery, issues a press release thanking Govs. Corbett and Markell, Reps.Brady and Meehan, union leaders Mr. Savage and Beevers, among others, for their "vigorous, bipartisan advocacy on an issue that was negatively affecting the industry." The press release also praises the EPA for "signaling" it will reduce the mandates.