From: Consumer Watchdog
Posted by Liza Tucker
As government scrutiny intensifies on ExxonMobil, the company is
apparently getting out of the state. Exxon is reportedly selling its
hobbled Torrance refinery in the wake of an investigation into
management's responsiblity for an explosion Feb.18 that endangered
workers and the community.
Consumer Watchdog wrote
a letter last week to the governor, California Attorney General and US
Attorneys, alleging a coverup by Exxon of evidence and concealing of
witnesses that could prove the refinery made a decision to keep
operating a fluid catalytic cracker while repairing a compressor. That
decision touched off the build up of fumes that exploded, destroying a
key piece of air pollution equipment 12 stories high called an
electrostatic precipitator. Industry sources told Consumer Watchdog that
workers emptying waste at the bottom of the electrostatic preciptator
barely escaped when sensors on their belts alerted them to the presences
of fumes.
Is Exxon trying to
wash its hands of responsibility for ignoring subpoenas, allegedly
hiding witnesses and endangering the public? We knew investigators were
intensifying their scrutiny of Exxon's actions during the past week and
sources say it's got under the company's skin. MORE
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