I applaud Texas City Mayor Matt Doyle speaking out about the record fine placed on BP by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
BP claims it has done everything asked of it by the administration. I have been told by people in the community that these new charges are not violations of OSHA standards but rather variations of industry standards recommended by industry itself.
Furthermore, if OSHA is making this its standard, practically every refinery in America would be in violation. The administration itself admitted that the violations posed no perilous danger at the BP plant. The administration is presenting the company with a moving target.
BP has spent more than a billion dollars retooling the plant. Most of its units were down for two years or more during the upgrades. The company brought in Keith Casey from outside the BP family and hired him as plant manager to make this a safe refinery and a good neighbor.
The city government, the chamber of commerce, economic development and many of us in the community believe that Casey and BP are doing just that.
Some people say no amount of money in fines is enough for BP. That is just foolish thinking and shows no concern for the people who depend on the company for their livelihood such as workers, contractors, support industry and local businesses.
And don’t forget the Texas City School District, which receives 83 percent of its tax funds from industry.
The city of Texas City would not be the same place to live without BP. Last year alone, the sales taxes from BP purchases added $2 million to the city coffers. This money is being spent on streets, water and sewage-line infrastructure. These costs would otherwise have necessitated a tax increase or a bond election.
Besides BP’s huge tax payments, the company continually donates millions of dollars to the city, schools, College of the Mainland and many other organizations. The huge sports complex being built right now off 29th Street is the result of donations by BP.
The company admitted wrongdoing in 2005, but this is 2009, after huge costs, penalties and lawsuits, and a new federal administration that has shown antagonism toward the oil industry and admits its goal is to impose more fines and regulations through a cap-and-trade program.
All BP has asked of OSHA is to allow a little time to present its case. OSHA has refused and now the company is appealing the charges. Considering the benefits of its presence, it is only fair not to rush to judgment before it has a chance to respond.
I moved to Texas City as a Greek immigrant. I love this country and this city. I’ve made my living here, and I thank the plant workers who have visited my cafe and the people who have accepted me and given me this opportunity.
I admire and respect the mayor and the entire Doyle family. No one can deny that Texas City is a much better place to live because of them.
Panagiotis Pontikas is a resident and businessman in Texas City.
