Texas lawmakers are pushing to require new standards on above-ground chemical storage tanks during the upcoming legislative session. These are the incidents that some Texas lawmakers have in mind as they push to require new standards on above-ground chemical storage tanks during the upcoming legislative session. And during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, flooding caused the explosions at Arkema’s chemical power plant and damaged storage tanks that leaked thousands of gallons of gasoline. Above-ground storage tanks are exempt from the rules. API did not respond to questions about whether its members would be open to new state regulations for above-ground tanks in Texas.

HOUSTON – A judge issued a directed verdict Thursday against the final defendant in the criminal case brought against Arkema related to the fire at the company’s Crosby plant during Hurricane Harvey. KPRC 2 legal analyst Brian Wice said the directed verdict was issued because there was insufficient evidence to bring the case to a jury. Comardelle was the only remaining defendant in the case after the charges against Arkema CEO Richard Rowe and Michael Keough, the company’s logistics officer, were dropped. Hardin said Arkema was the only company being investigated but never addressed the other companies on the Houston Ship Channel. Hardin said it was unprecedented for prosecutors to make it a crime and targeted Arkema for not anticipating Hurricane Harvey’s impact.

HOUSTON – The CEO of Arkema was dropped as a defendant Wednesday in the criminal case against the company in connection with the chemical release that happened during Hurricane Harvey. Prosecutors confirmed Richard Rowe was dropped from the case that accuses the company of and some employees of recklessly releasing chemicals into the air during a fire. The blaze happened after floodwaters inundated the Crosby plant and knocked out power to the cooling system used to keep certain chemicals stable. The news comes after prosecutors said they were seeking to drop charges that were filed against Michael Keough, the company’s logistics officer. Arkema has said that the fire was caused by an act of God and that plant officials did everything they reasonably could to prevent it.

HOUSTON – Harris County prosecutors are seeking to drop some charges filed in connection with the fire and chemical release at the Arkema plant near Crosby during Hurricane Harvey. Both Arkema and Michael Keough, the company’s logistics official, were charged with assault of a public servant after prosecutors said two deputies suffered injuries because of the chemicals that were released. According to court documents, prosecutors believe they cannot prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt and have asked the court to drop those charges. Arkema has said that the fire was caused by an act of God and that plant officials did everything they reasonably could to prevent it. Attorneys representing the company have also accused Harris County prosecutors of withholding evidence.