June 30, 2000

Robert Maher, Jr. 
U.S. Department of Justice 
Environment and Natural Resources Division 
1425 New York Avenue, N.W., Room 13003 
Washington, D.C. 20530

Dear Mr. Maher:

     I am writing to you to express my utmost concern regarding
pollution at Crown Central Petroleum. As a representative from the
18th Congressional District in Texas, I strongly believe that we
must enforce our environmental laws and regulations. We have seen
enough disregard for the environment in my state, which huts
everyone in urban and rural areas.

     As you may know, Crown has paid significant air pollution
fines because of pollution violations in the past. Despite a poor
track record, these violations have continued. In fact, Crown has
continued the same pollution violations for which it received a
$1.05 million fine in August of 1998 from the Texas National
Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). This is devastating to
air quality. I have recently learned that TNRCC has indicated that
it is considering a fine of $1.25 million against Crown for
persistent violations of critical pollution laws. Although this
fine is necessary, I share the concern that it has been cheaper for
Crown to pollute surrounding communities than it has been to
operate the refinery cleanly and safely.

     The TNRCC has not assessed Crown a fine equivalent to the
economic gain of not adhering to pollution laws. The current
proposed fine should be a least $3 million more if the economic
gain was assessed. That would send a strong, powerful message that
such pollution if unacceptable. A very legitimate argument could be
made that it has been profitable for Crown to snub its nose at
pollution laws and the largely low-income and Latin residents who
live near the refinery. The burden placed on residents in nearby
communities is highly unacceptable.

     Crown has shown a real disrespect for our environmental laws
in Texas and those who suffer the deleterious effects of harmful
pollutants. It is time for all state and federal agencies with
appropriate jurisdictional authority to investigate this matter
carefully and assess the necessary fines.

                              Sincerely,

                              Sheila Jackson Lee                  
                              Member of Congress

cc: Carol Browner, USEPA Administrator 
    Ariel Rios Building 
    1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW 
    Washington, D.C. 20460

    Robert Huston, Chairman 
    P.O. Box 13087 (#100) 
    Austin, Texas 78711-3087

    John Baker, Commissioner 
    P.O. Box 13087 (#100) 
    Austin, Texas 78711-3087

    Jeff Saitas, Executive Director 
    P.O. Box 13087 (#109) 
    Austin, Texas 78711-3087

    Harris County Pollution Control Department 
    107 N. Munger St.
    Pasadena, Texas 77506

    Governor George W. Bush 
    Office of the Governor 
    P.O. Box 12428 
    Austin, Texas 78711