In a trial concerning a $600M class-action settlement following the disastrous 2023 train derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, Norfolk Southern asserted that OxyVinyls provided inconsistent and inaccurate information about vinyl chloride, which contributed to the decision to vent and burn tank cars. OxyVinyls has denied these claims, arguing that it did not cause the derailment or influence the emergency response decisions.

OxyVinyls, the chemical division of Occidental Petroleum, announced Project Orca, a $1.1 billion expansion and overhaul of its La Porte, Texas chlor-alkali plant. The project will integrate advanced membrane cell technology to replace older, potentially asbestos-related diaphragm systems in anticipation of stricter environmental regulations.

New research reveals that OxyVinyls is responsible for transporting up to 36 million pounds of toxic vinyl chloride via rail. This practice endangers communities across major cities along its route and underscores persistent regulatory and environmental safety failures following incidents like the 2023 Ohio train derailment.

A recent investigative report details how OxyVinyls’ long-distance rail transportation of vinyl chloride exposes millions to health and environmental risks. The company’s extended supply chain forces hazardous shipments across major population centers and has been linked to previous derailments in East Palestine and Paulsboro. Additionally, repeated non-compliance with federal environmental regulations suggests regulatory capture, endangering vulnerable communities and workers.

Oxy Vinyls LP was fined $113K after releasing 53.8 pounds of vinyl chloride at its Pedricktown facility and failing to report the discharge immediately as required by law, leading to enforcement action by the EPA.

Oxy Vinyls faced a $113,000 civil penalty after releasing nearly 54 pounds of vinyl chloride on May 30, 2023 at its Pedricktown facility and failing to report the discharge as required by law. The EPA noted that the company later submitted follow-up reports and took retraining steps, but the initial lack of prompt notification raised concerns about the company’s commitment to ethical business practices and environmental responsibility.

The Militant reported that OxyVinyls, a vinyl chemical manufacturing facility owned by Occidental Petroleum, is linked to dangerous profit-driven practices. These practices have led to hazardous emission events, exposing workers and local communities to toxic chemicals such as vinyl chloride and hydrogen chloride. Workers at the La Porte and Deer Park plants have reported chronic health issues and environmental contamination, raising serious concerns about the company's disregard for worker safety and human rights.