Can we use fossil fuels and protect the environment?
We can and we do.Show More
Can we use fossil fuels and protect the environment?
We can and we do.
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We put our money where our mouth is
We’ve invested hundreds of billions of dollars to produce cleaner gasoline and diesel fuels, and improve the environmental performance of our facilities and operations. Our innovations and outstanding compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state requirements are paying off – we’re enjoying cleaner air and water, all while reducing waste.
Our commitment is working
We have dramatically reduced emissions as measured by the EPA. We’ve made continuous progress while meeting stringent regulations and increasing production output to satisfy a growing need for the products we all rely on every day.
Emissions are down, even during increased economic activity
Since 1990 in the US, our Gross Domestic Product is up 200%, our population has grown by 30%, vehicle miles traveled is up 40%, and energy consumption is up 15%. It’s been a high-growth era, yet we’ve managed to cut the six most common emissions by 73%, and ozone levels have decreased 30%.1
1 Environmental Protection Agency, Comparison of Growth Areas and Emissions, 1980 - 2016
Transportation fuels are cleaner than ever
As of 2017, we’ve shrunk sulfur levels in gasoline by 97% and reduced sulfur levels in both highway and off-road diesel as well.
Did you know?
The industry's investments in innovation, technology and engineering efficiency coupled with partnerships between the public and private sectors have fostered environmental and public health, as well as economic growth.
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What’s coming out of that stack?
It’s mainly water vapor.Show More
What’s coming out of that stack?
It’s mainly water vapor.
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Refineries use water to heat and cool
Water is used throughout refineries to heat fluids during the refining process and to cool various production units while they perform refining functions. In some units, water temperatures reach more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit!
We reuse water to conserve it and that makes steam
To stay green and conserve resources, we continually reuse water. To reuse water, we have to send it to the cooling towers. The cooling process causes evaporation. When the vapors mix with the airstream, harmless steam clouds form at the top of the stacks.
The steam "cloud" changes based on weather
A number of factors can affect the size and color of the steam cloud. For example, the hotter the water is before cooling, the more evaporation needed to bring the temperature down so a larger "cloud" forms. On a humid day, when there is already a lot of moisture in the air, the water can’t be absorbed as quickly so the "clouds" are darker and look heavier.
Sometimes mist forms on the ground
Occasionally, water vapor rising out of the refinery cooling towers is carried by the wind and condenses as a mist that settles back to the ground. When the mist bakes in the sun it can leave water spots and minerals behind that you may see on surfaces like cars.
Did you know?
Every facility is closely monitored by federal, state, and local agencies and we work hard to exceed air quality standards, and we are continually improving our processes. Our track record of outstanding compliance speaks for itself and we will continue to uphold our commitment to efficient and environmentally-friendly operations.
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What’s that flame?
An important safety device called flaringShow More
What’s that flame?
An important safety device called flaring
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Flaring helps keep a refinery running safely
A flare is a safety relief device refineries use to safely burn excess material, or hydrocarbons, which cannot be recovered or recycled. The excess hydrocarbons are combined with steam and safely burned in the flare, which is more environmentally friendly than releasing the hydrocarbons directly into the atmosphere.
Flaring happens for specific reasons
Refineries minimize flaring as much as possible, but sometimes a refinery may purposely flare as part of start-up or shut-down procedures during maintenance, or when unplanned process interruptions happen such as a power outage or equipment failure. In an emergency, flaring is used to protect the integrity of the facility and ultimately the people who work inside.
Refineries are ready to flare when needed
Just like a pilot light on a hot water heater, the flare tip is always lit in case flaring is necessary – for example during an unplanned power loss. When a refinery experiences a process interruption like this, the refinery’s systems may not be able to send the hydrocarbons through for further refining. In this case, the excess hydrocarbons are routed to the refinery flare systems to be safely burned.
Sometimes a noise or smoke can accompany a flare
Steam helps minimize the amount of smoke produced by the flare, but there still may be some smoke during flaring. Sometimes, you may hear a rumbling noise. This is due to mixing hydrocarbons, air, and steam – chemistry at work! While this may seem concerning, it is a normal part of the process that is controlled and closely monitored by the refinery operators.
Did you know?
Flaring produces some emissions, but it is the safest and most environmentally sound manner for a refinery to dispose of excess hydrocarbons. It is regulated by both the EPA and state environmental agencies. Whenever a refinery flares, operators must report it to their state regulatory agency and abide by their environmental guidelines and operating permits.
Refiners pioneer new technology to reduce flaring emissions
Flaring is integral to refinery safety. But in recent years, thanks to hundreds of millions of dollars of investment by the refining industry, and the testing and deployment of new technologies, many refiners have greatly reduced flaring by recovering gases and cycling them back through their processing plants.
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Is fracking dangerous?
Not our industry - but it’s connectedShow More
Is fracking dangerous?
Not our industry - but it’s connected
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Shale development is important for everyone
AFPM members aren’t directly involved in shale development, but it is important to us. Here’s why: Hydraulic fracturing (or "fracking) has helped us access an unprecedented supply of U.S. oil and natural gas. This has made it possible for American refiners and petrochemical manufacturers to deliver an economical and reliable supply of fuels to people and businesses around the world. Fracking strengthens our economy with more jobs, infrastructure development, and greater tax revenue and it's putting us on a path towards energy independence.
Here’s where you can get more information
We’ve compiled materials from the experts to provide additional information on the impact of shale. Visit our educational resource center at AFPM.org if you want more specifics.
Did you know?
Hydraulic fracturing has been used for more than 60 years and has been safely and effectively applied to more than 1.1 million oil and gas wells in the U.S. alone. These wells make up about half of the oil and about two-thirds of the current national gas production in the U.S. What’s more, natural gas from shale exploration has allowed the U.S. to cut carbon dioxide emissions more than any other country since 2006.
Shale Seismic Activity
Federal officials and geologists agree that noticeable earthquake activity from hydraulic fracturing is very rare. Some studies, however, suggest a possible link to the injection of wastewater from drilling. Wastewater injections wells have been around since the 1930s and are used to dispose of wastes from a multitude of sources, including municipal wastewater. Deep-well wastewater injection has been regulated for many years, including wells used for wastewater from hydraulic fracturing. The injection of wastewater from drilling poses no increased risk to seismic activity than does other sources of wastewater underground injection; however, as with all injections, it must be appropriately managed and monitored.
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