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ACC releases November 2016 resin production, sales statistics

WASHINGTON – US production of major plastic resins totaled 6.4 billion pounds during November 2016, a decrease of 0.4% compared to the same month in 2015, according to statistics released today by the American Chemistry Council.

Brazil's Petrobras sells $587MM in ethanol, petchem assets

SAO PAULO (Reuters) -- Brazil's state-run oil company, Petroleo Brasileiro SA, on Wednesday announced the sale of ethanol and petrochemicals assets for $587 million, but said it would still fall $1.5 billion short of its divestment target for the 2015-2016 period.

Minnesota refinery facing possible strike

(Reuters) -- Western Refining's plant in St. Paul Park, Minnesota could be headed for a strike at the beginning of the year, according to a union statement on Wednesday.

Senators ask Trump EPA chief pick to disclose energy industry ties

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Democrats on the US Senate's environment panel on Wednesday asked President-elect Donald Trump's choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose his ties to the energy industry ahead of his confirmation hearing early next year.

Oil rallies in thin trade, adds to year's gains

NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Oil gained 1.5% Tuesday, continuing its year-end rally with support from expectations of tighter supply once the first output cut deal between OPEC and non-OPEC producers in 15 years takes effect on Sunday.

Venezuela says to cut 95,000 bpd crude output in OPEC deal

CARACAS (Reuters) -- Venezuela said on Tuesday it will cut 95,000 bpd of oil production in the New Year in fulfillment of a producers' deal to reduce global output and strengthen prices.

ACC: US specialty chemicals markets rise during 4Q 2016

WASHINGTON – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) reported that US specialty chemicals market volumes rose 0.4% in November.

Oil gains post-Christmas ahead of OPEC, non-OPEC cuts

TOKYO (Reuters) -- US oil prices extended gains on Tuesday in post-Christmas trading, as OPEC and non-OPEC members are set to start curbing output in less than a week to support oil prices.

EPA amends risk management program for chemical facilities

WASHINGTON – The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule amending its Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations to reduce the likelihood of accidental releases at chemical facilities and improve emergency response activities when those releases occur.

US refiners cash in on Mexico's record fuel imports

NEW YORK/HOUSTON (Reuters) -- US Gulf Coast refiners are cashing in on rising fuel demand from Mexico, shipping record volumes to a southern neighbor that has failed to expand its refining network to supply a fast-growing economy.