The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) presented the group’s highest recognition, the Pelican Award, to Valero in recognition of the company’s outstanding achievement in the industry and its contributions to the state, during the organization’s annual meeting in New Orleans on March 1.
In particular, the award cited Valero as one of the largest employers in southeast Louisiana, including the St. Charles and Meraux refineries that “have a multi-million-dollar annual impact on the state’s economy.” Valero additionally operates terminals at the two refineries, plus its joint venture in Diamond Green Diesel, and owns the St. James Asphalt Terminal and the Parkway Pipeline.
The trade organization, which exclusively represents all sectors of the oil and gas industry operating in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico, also noted that Valero “is nationally recognized as one of the most community-minded companies in America and has earned honors as an energy sector leader in community service and investment.” Valero has been an active member of LMOGA since 2003.
“We are pleased to partner with LMOGA as we share a commitment to Louisiana and the oil and gas industry,” said Jerry Stumbo, Vice President and General Manager of the St. Charles refinery.
“As we accept the Pelican Award today, we are humbled that LMOGA has recognized Valero’s contribution and long-term investment in Louisiana.”
In a resolution with the honor, LMOGA additionally cited Valero’s more than 900 direct employees in Louisiana, more than $22 million in property taxes paid each year and $2.8 million in charitable giving in 2017. The group also commended Valero’s safety and environmental accomplishments.
The St. Charles refinery in 2017 earned a Voluntary Protection Program Star, the highest plant-safety recognition of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and recently received the Valero Chairman’s Safety Award after going two years without an employee recordable injury.
The refinery also has earned environmental leadership awards from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Louisiana Air and Waste Management Association.
In 2017, the Meraux refinery was one of four Valero facilities receiving a Safety Achievement Award from American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, the industry’s major trade organization, judged on a range of occupational and process safety indicators.
Said Jack Merrill, Vice President and General Manager of the Meraux refinery: “It is with great pleasure that we accept the LMOGA Pelican Award, the organization’s highest honor, for our commitment to the community, to the environment and to Louisiana. Valero values the importance of our membership in the organization and is grateful that we were chosen for this award.”
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