SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 194
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize the Big Spring Refinery on the occasion of its 75th 
anniversary celebration; and
	WHEREAS, The business was started in 1929 when Josh Cosden 
constructed a crude oil refinery on the outskirts of Big Spring, 
and it has continued operating for 75 years; over the years, the 
refinery's trademark has changed from Cosden in 1929 to 1984, to 
Fina in 1984 to 2000, to ALON USA since 2000; and
	WHEREAS, With 142 current employees, retirees, and many 
local contractors, the refinery has a dynamic impact on the lives 
of numerous citizens in the Big Spring community; it is the largest
taxpayer to the county and the school district; and
	WHEREAS, The Big Spring Refinery is the last surviving 
refinery in the Central Permian Basin and counts among its 
achievements being the first refinery worldwide to extract pure 
aromatic compounds from crude oil; and
	WHEREAS, ALON employees and retirees and citizens in the 
community began planning for the 75th anniversary celebration 
in 2003, and activities are ongoing; a permanent exhibit was 
prepared and is now on display at the Heritage Museum; and
	WHEREAS, Representatives of the refinery and teachers from 
the Big Spring Independent School District developed a course 
of study about the petroleum industry where students learned 
about the scientific principles of oil production, the refinery's


environmental and economic impact in the community, and its 
technological innovations; and
	WHEREAS, For 75 years, the Big Spring Refinery, ALON USA, 
has played a major role in the progress of Big Spring and the 
surrounding area and has been an outstanding corporate citizen 
in the Big Spring community and across the state; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby commend employees 
of the Big Spring Refinery, ALON USA, for their many contributions
to the Big Spring community and extend best wishes to all for a 
joyful 75th anniversary celebration; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an 
expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                         Seliger




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 17, 2004.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate