Business news in brief

In the Region

House to study refinery closures

Rep. Patrick Meehan (R., Pa.) said Wednesday that the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence would examine how nationwide refinery closures, including three in the Philadelphia area, could cause supply shortages and threaten critical infrastructure. Meehan said the panel's inquiry would help explain the homeland security consequences of the decline in U.S. refining capacity. Sunoco Inc. has shut its Marcus Hook refinery and announced plans to idle its Philadelphia plant if a buyer cannot be found. ConocoPhillips Co. has shut down its Trainer refinery, citing a fall in domestic demand for fuel. Pennsylvania lawmakers joined the United Steelworkers at a rally Wednesday in Washington to oppose the closings. - Andrew Maykuth

Pa. chamber files court brief

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry has joined 14 other business advocacy organizations in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case challenging the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Questions over the constitutionality of some of the law's provisions - in particular, the individual insurance mandate - add to confusion confronting employers about what the act will require and what the requirements will cost, Chamber president Gene Barr said. The uncertainty adds to employer reluctance to hire, he said. Delaying a ruling on the constitutionality of the new law will create a costly and harmful burden on American business, the Chamber's brief contends. Oral arguments begin March 26. - Diane Mastrull

N.J. Golden Nugget wins approval

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission on Wednesday approved by 3-0 a permanent casino license to Landry's Inc., the owner of the Golden Nugget Atlantic City Casino, formerly the Trump Marina Casino Resort. Houston-based Landry's, known for its restaurant chains, purchased the struggling Atlantic City casino in May for $38 million from Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc., with the promise of pumping more than $100 million into renovations. The Golden Nugget last month generated $9.6 million in total revenue, placing ninth among 11 A.C. casinos.

- Suzette Parmley

Builders' confidence rises again