The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "oil refining" ...
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Kids at Risk
This investigation finds that substances in the environment can harm the human brain. The story reveals how polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury in many cases have had devastating effect on children's development throughout the country. A major finding is that protection against such chemicals is still underdeveloped, because the Environmental Protection Agency does not require chemical manufacturers to provide data on possible neurological effects.
Tags: PCBs; neurotoxicants; IQ; cancer; birth defects; FDA; vaccines; pollution; oil refining; Monsanto; mercury
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Pumped Up: Shock at the Wheel: Wonder Why Gas Prices Suddenly Got So High?
The WSJ reports that "the movement to regulate gasoline more stringently, begun in the mid-1990s, is colliding head-on with a still-strong economy and the arrival of gas-guzzling vehicles that have pushed up demand faster than domestic refining capacity could match...The result: tight supply, not enough extra capacity and prices that the slightest worries can send soaring...Sport-utility vehicles, pickups and minivans make up 43% of the vehicles on the road today, up from 30% in 1990...The problem (of high gas prices) is most severe on the West Coast and in the third of the county where Environmental Protection Agency regulations require the sale of lower-emission gasoline." Additionally, many of the country's biggest oil companies have gotten out of the refining business.
Tags: energy; gasoline; gas prices; sport-utility vehicles; clean air; refining; refinery; refineries; Unocal
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Block Those Regs!
National Journal looks at the fight of the business community against the "midnight regulations" and executive orders issued at the end of the Clinton Administration." The report describes how "corporate angst over ergonomics sparks an intense lobbying war," as "the ergonomics regulation affects more than 100 million workers who tap on keyboards and perform other routine tasks." The story points to an OSHA estimate that the first-year cost of the new ergonomics regulation would total $4.5 billion. The investigation details the specific demands of different business sectors. It reveals that "top corporate lobbyists aren't shy about voicing hope that the Bush Administration will jettison or modify unwanted regulations," while at the same time the administration is "also weighing concrete steps that could placate business."
Tags: business; politics; Republicans; manufacturers; OSHA; labor unions; legislature; Congress; refiners; oil producers; trucking industry; food-store chains
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Jack Stanley's Mexican Standoff
Corporate Finance Magazine takes an inside look at a controversial, twice-bankrupt energy producer and his attempts to refinance millions in remaining bank debt; even though his oil company is a coveted asset, investors won't touch it unless he relinquishes control, and he won't agree to step down; meanwhile, banks are going to elaborate lengths to finance the deal.
Tags: Stanley Trans-American Natural Gas Corp GHR Good Hope Refinery banks finance