Environment & Safety
Japan disaster, environmental concerns to boost coal-based power plans - report
There has been a sudden reversal in the trend away from coal, according to a new report from US-based market research firm McIlvaine Co. The nuclear disaster in Japan coupled with new evidence that gas-fired generators will emit more greenhouse gases than new coal generators are influencing the plans of electric generating companies around the world.
Survey shows majority of offshore workers proud of industry, would recommend to friend
Despite soaring oil costs, the one-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion and political unrest in the headlines, a clear majority of offshore oil and gas workers say they are proud to work in the industry and would recommend it to a friend, according to a new survey conducted by engineering consulting firm NES Global.
On Earth Day, ACC says US chemical firms lead sustainability, environmental efforts
This Friday’s 41st annual Earth Day draws attention to ongoing actions that support sustainability and environmental improvement, and the US chemical industry is at the forefront of such development, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
ExxonMobil US operations win top 2010 safety award from Gas Processors Association
The US operations of ExxonMobil have been awarded with the top 2010 company safety award from the Gas Processors Association (GPA), the company said.
BP commits up to $1 billion for restoration projects in Gulf spill areas
BP says it has signed an agreement with federal and state agencies that will accelerate work starting this year to restore areas of the Gulf of Mexico that were affected by the year-ago rig explosion of the Deepwater Horizon and ensuing oil spill.
Total adds to solar portfolio with expanded Tenesol acquisition
Total signed an agreement with EDF ENR to acquire all of Tenesol’s operations, the France-based energy firm said. The deal excludes operations in the French overseas departments and territories, of which Total already owns 50%, it said.
Biofuels may comprise 27% of global transportation fuel supply by 2050 – IEA report
A new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) says that the widespread deployment of biofuels can play an important role in reducing CO2 emissions in the transport sector and enhancing energy security, when produced sustainably.
Chem safety board faces ‘significant challenges’ in US Deepwater Horizon investigation
The US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) continues to face “significant challenges” in its ongoing investigation into the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion, as companies and witnesses have sought to evade subpoenas for testimony and records and various investigation groups have not coordinated effectively, the agency said.
Gulf Chemical obtains environmental management certification at plant in Freeport, Texas
Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corp. (GCMC), the world’s largest recycler of spent petroleum refinery catalysts, today announced that it has obtained International Organization for Standardization 14001 (ISO 14001:2004) certification, the global standard for environmental management systems.
US EPA proposes new emissions cuts for domestic PVC plants
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed stronger standards that require facilities that produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to reduce emissions of harmful toxics.
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- KBR’s methanol technology selected by Fikrat Al-Tadweer for the first biomethanol plant in Saudi Arabia 12/17
- Petrobras strike hits eight refineries on second day 12/17
- Shell seeks buyers for stake in Germany's Schwedt refinery 12/17
- Digital Exclusive: Root cause analysis on hydrochloric acid corrosion in a diesel hydrotreater unit 12/16
- Digital Feature: Enabling growth through strategic cost optimization for petrochemical and refining companies 12/16

