Environment & Safety
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.
Koch Pipeline wins API’s top safety, environmental award for 2010
Koch Pipeline Co. employees won the API 2010 distinguished award for outstanding safety and environmental performance, considered the API’s highest award in the field, the company said.
Solutia to supply heat transfer fluids for world's largest solar generation plant
Solutia, a global leader in performance materials and specialty chemicals, has been awarded a contract to supply its Therminol VP-1 synthetic heat transfer fluid for the Solana solar power plant project, which is slated to be the world's largest solar power plant.
U.S. seeks higher ethanol fuel consumption, aims for 10,000 new flex-fuel pumps
The Obama administration hopes to install 10,000 flexible fuel pumps in the U.S. over the next five years, allowing drivers to blend gasoline with up to 85 percent ethanol (E85) in cars able to handle such mixes.
Flint Hills Resources gives $65,000 to conservation group for Minnesota waterfowl habitat
Flint Hills Resources’ Pine Bend refinery in Minnesota awarded a $65,000 grant to Ducks Unlimited to help protect and restore the state’s habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
US House passes bill preventing EPA regulation of GHGs, Senate rejected similar bill the day before
The US House of Representatives yesterday passed legislation coauthored by Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to address climate change.
EPA moves to electronic reporting of new chemical notices
The US Environmental Protection Agency will require electronic submissions for new chemical notices under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Beginning today, companies can no longer submit their new chemical notices and support documents on paper for EPA’s review.
CSB continues investigation into Tesoro’s Anacortes refinery accident
Marking the one year anniversary of the tragic accident at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington, the US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a video safety message in which Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso urged refinery companies to “make the investments necessary to ensure safe operations.
China Energy invests $83.8 million in Synthesis Energy Systems
Synthesis Energy Systems (SES), a global energy and gasification technology company that provides products and solutions to the energy and chemicals industries, has signed an agreement with China Energy Industry Holding Group, for a cash investment of approximately $83.8 million to support the company's business strategy in China, including project development and investment.
Obama Administration issues statement on US energy security
On March 30, the office of the press secretary at the US White House issued the following statement concerning the US’ energy security.
- EPA finalizes historic new renewable fuel standards to strengthen American energy security 3/30
- The role of integrated biorefineries in achieving alternative fuel goals 3/30
- The entire Itabus fleet travels with Enilive HVO diesel biofuel 3/30
- Czech government agrees to release 100,000 tonnes of crude from reserves 3/30
- South Korea's LG Chem to import Russian naphtha 3/30
- PetroChina says operations 'overall normal', Strait of Hormuz accounts for about 10% of its supplies 3/30

