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Environment

US federal agencies ask for another pipeline construction pause

The US Army and Departments of Interior and Justice asked the company building the Dakota Access pipeline to voluntarily halt construction within 20 miles of a contested section of the proposed route.

Philadelphia Energy Solutions laying off nonunion workers

Philadelphia Energy Solutions Inc. has begun laying off nonunion workers at its Philadelphia refinery after the company fell short of a goal of trimming its workforce through voluntary buyouts.

US Federal appeals court hears arguments over Dakota Access pipeline

Three federal appeals judges in Washington, DC, heard arguments over whether to stop work on a crude oil pipeline in parts of North Dakota where the Standing Rock Sioux and other tribes say the project will desecrate sacred land.

BASF, Avantium establish JV for bio-based chemicals

BASF and Avantium have formed a new JV for the production and marketing of furandicarboxylic acid, as well as the marketing of polyethylenefuranoate.

US EPA files complaint regarding alleged Renewable Fuel Standard violations

The US EPA and the US Department of Justice filed a complaint against NGL Crude Logistics and Western Dubuque Biodiesel to address alleged violations of the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Canada unveils carbon price, energy-producing provinces unhappy

Canada's federal government vowed to bring in a minimum price on carbon emissions by 2018.

EPA fines Eco Services Corp. for sulfur dioxide leak

The EPA has reached a settlement with Eco Services Operations Corp., located in Carson, Calif., for violations of federal laws related to a large release of 65,049 pounds of sulfur dioxide in 2013.

Praxair starts new hydrogen plant at La Pampilla refinery

Praxair started up a hydrogen plant for Repsol's La Pampilla refinery.

Shell to provide fuel for Carnival’s LNG-powered cruise ships

Carnival has signed a framework agreement with Shell Western LNG to be its supplier of marine LNG to power the world's first fully LNG-powered cruise ships.

Innovations

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Andrew, Bob

Where large machines are in use and the overall processes depend on a smoothly functioning plant, companies often rely on fixed maintenance schedules and diagnostic tools.