CNA RNs spoke out at a South Coast Air Quality Management District meeting today to oppose the Valero oil company's plans to process 60,000 barrels of tar sands crude in Wilmington, CA. CNA member, Janet Phun, RN, ICU, St. Mary Medical Center testified on the impact on her patients, family and community where thousands of nurses, fellow healthcare workers and patients live within a few miles from the refineries.
 
Backing her up are RNs Heather Albright, Maria Vasquez and Sharon Aaron from Little Company of Mary Torrance and CNA staff.

Group shot above:
L to R: (front row kneeling) Erik Macatuno-CNA, Maria Vasquez,RN,CNA, Gary Mitchell-Planet Rehab, Al Sattler-Natural Resources Defense Council, Sherry Lear-SoCal Climate Change.350, David Monkawa-CNA, (standing) Elena Oscco, secretary-comty organizer, Sharon Aaron, RN, CNA, Janet Phun, RN, CNA, Alicia Rivera-Communities for a Better Environment, Heather Albright, RN, CNA, Michael Sarmiento-Sierra Club, Jasmin Vargas-Sierra Club, Jo Romero, CNA.

FACTS:
-Valero is the largest exporter of Petroleum products in the US.
-Valero is the key contractor and beneficiary of Keystone XL with a 100,000 barrels-per-day long term contract with TransCanada. Valero’s Port Arthur Texas refinery is being expanded and fitted to export tar sands.
-Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley’s speculation in oil is responsible for the sky high prices at the pump. Wall Street is now pressing congress for the ability to own physical oil as a commodity.
 
STOP TAR SANDS IN LA/NO KXL, TAX WALL STREET