Rep. Richmond Responds to Geismar Explosion

June 13, 2013
Press Release

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) released a statement following the explosion that occurred at the Williams Olefins plant near Geismar, LA this morning:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the employees who were working at Williams Olefins plant, especially to the family of the one confirmed fatality and those who have sustained injuries. I am grateful for Louisiana’s first responders who are placing themselves in harm’s way to preserve the safety and security of the nearby communities and am committed to working with federal and state officials to investigate what caused this terrible incident.”

“The oil and gas industry plays a vital role in supporting our domestic production and our nation’s economy. Williams Olefin’s Geismar plant makes 1.3 billion pounds of ethylene and 90 million pounds of polymer grade propylene annually and that underscores the importance of ensuring that these employees, and all of our workers in the oil and gas industry, are afforded a safe and secure work environment.”