Environment & Safety
US senator urges IOCs to cease Libyan operations
All American and international oil companies should immediately cease operations in Libya until violence against civilians ceases. The Obama administration also should consider re-imposing U.S. sanctions that were lifted during the Bush era
$8.8 billion for FGD systems market in 2011
Coal-fired power plant operators will complete investments of $8.8 billion for flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems starting operation in 2011. The investment in 2012 will be down and will bounce back in 2013.
Atlas Inspection Technologies expands across US
Atlas Inspection Technologies, a Seattle-based provider of remote visual inspection solutions for the industrial and manufacturing sectors, announced further expansion across North America.
15 groups seek to bar EPA funding for E15
NPRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, was one of 15 organizations signing a letter to the leadership of the US House of Representatives supporting a measure by Rep. John Sullivan (R-Oklahoma) that would bar the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using federal funds to cover EPA costs involved with increasing the amount of ethanol in gasoline from the current 10% to 15%.
New technology for removal of carbon dioxide from natural gas
The Japanese companies JGC Corp. and I NPEX Corp. jointly with BASF SE have successfully completed tests of a new technology for the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from natural gas under high pressure.
Total Safety acquires Pacific Environmental Consulting
Total Safety has acquired Pacific Environmental Consulting, a British Columbia-based industrial hygiene, occupational safety and environmental consulting firm servicing the greater Western Canadian market.
KBR and Valero startup benzene reduction projects
KBR today announced that Valero Energy has successfully started up advanced reformate splitters at three of its US refineries.
Former US House speaker proposes eliminating EPA
Former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich is an advocate for the elimination of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
US demand for activated carbon to grow over 15%
US demand for activated carbon, including both virgin and reactivated products sold by activated carbon suppliers, is forecast to grow 15.8% per annum to 1.2 billion pounds in 2014.
Pipeline safety legislation introduced in US Senate
Two senators have introduced legislation to enhance pipeline safety. The bill strengthens pipeline safety oversight by the federal government and addresses long-standing safety issues, including the use of automatic shutoff valves and excess flow valves.
- 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
