Environment & Safety
Safety milestone reached by AltairStrickland during BP Texas City turnaround work
AltairStrickland, a process plant turnaround (TAR) engineering, management and maintenance firm, said it recently set a major safety milestone as part of its 2011 turnaround work at BP’s Texas City refinery.
BP, Gulf alliance seek Deepwater Horizon study proposals for $500mn research program
BP and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance announced that the independent research board of the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GRI) is requesting proposals for studies into the effects of the Deepwater Horizon incident and the potential associated impact on environment and public health.
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.

- CNOOC completes construction on $2.9-B, 1.8-MMtpy integrated complex in east China 8/22
- bp's Whiting refinery (U.S.) continues to flare days after severe thunderstorm 8/22
- Bachmann introduces latest version M-Target for Simulink 8/22
- U.S. to rule on biofuel waivers, but big oil refiners may need to wait 8/22
- Chinese independent refiner Hongrun buys Canadian, Brazilian crude 8/22
- Ukrainian attack suspends Russian oil flows to Hungary, Slovakia 8/22