Activists say EPA unlikely to tighten refinery rules

HOUSTON, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Activists said on Tuesday they have little hope the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would adopt tougher refinery pollution rules next year.

Speaking after testimony before officials from the federal pollution regulation agency on a proposal to renew existing regulations on some refinery units, the activists said a change in the White House would be needed.

"Change will only come through acts of Congress after we have a new president," said Jane Owen, president of the Citizens League for Environmental Action Now.

An EPA spokeswoman declined to discuss what action the agency may take on the standards.

Tuesday's hearing in a Houston community center gymnasium across the street from Valero Energy Corp's (VLO.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Houston refinery is the only public hearing planned by the EPA on renewal of a set of regulations adopted in 1995 under the U.S. Clean Air Act.

The EPA is under a court order to renew or revise rules by August 2008. Tighter pollution regulations adopted in recent years have cost refiners billions in equipment upgrades to lower sulfur in motor fuels.

The agency has made two proposals in the rules governing storage tanks and wastewater treatment systems. The proposals would keep the rules the same or make specific changes in how the units are operated. (Reporting by Erwin Seba, editing by Carol Bishopric)