It seems some vastly overestimate the value of a air permit for a Crude Distillation Unit - it is pretty much rubber stamped - Hanks stated the permits for a oil refinery would take another 18 months - when they have to provide a detailed design.
The CDU air permits and $5 will get you a cup of coffee. I think the filing fee is just $100.
I know that Hanks can't use the CDU air permits as collateral for a $50 million loan to construct the CDU.