Acknowledging the concern about environmental and health impacts, Delegate Donna M. Christensen on Tuesday urged members of the 30th Legislature to ratify the fourth amendment to the Hovensa concession agreement, saying those concerns could be mitigated, and that the territory needs the economic boost.
"After listening to all sides and taking into account my own concerns about best use, our health and the immediate need for economic stimulus and jobs, it is my opinion that it will be far better for St. Croix and the Virgin Islands and all the people who live here to ratify the agreement," she wrote in a letter to Senate President Shawn-Michael Malone.
The Senate is voting Wednesday on the agreement, which was negotiated by the government and Hovensa officials and, if approved, will govern a one-year sales process. Gov. John deJongh Jr. said the goal is to get a buyer that will reopen the refinery, creating jobs and generating both income and taxes. Both sides have warned that if the agreement is not ratified, the likely outcome is a protracted legal battle.
Christensen said there may be uses of the property other than a refinery, but the reality is that reopening the refinery is the surest short-term way to bring economic relief to the territory, which has been reeling since Hovensa closed a year ago.
"The reality of the devastating economic circumstances in St. Croix – which spill over to the entire Virgin Islands – the urgent need for jobs and to begin to repair our community make a new refinery the best option, at least under certain conditions."
A physician and former health commissioner, Christensen said she is as concerned as anyone with the health issues. She pointed to several factors that could mitigate them
The first is that under Hovensa’s ownership the refinery worked with heavy crude from Venezuela. A new owner could focus on lighter "sweet" crude, which results in lower level of emissions. She also noted the economic necessity of converting the operation to propane or natural gas, which would lower emissions.
But the Senate itself may be the key factor in reducing the health and environmental impact, the delegate said.
"Should there be a legitimate buyer, the Legislature will vote a second time on the concession agreement for the new refinery. I think that will be the more important vote, as it will be up to senators to decide if the terms going forward are in the best health and economic interest of the people of the Virgin Islands," she said.
"It will also be prudent for all of us to consider alternative approaches to the final disposition of the refinery, should there not be a buyer or a concession agreement under a new potential owner."
