[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2020-E2021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORP. HOUSTON CHEMICAL COMPLEX

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 1997

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Occidental 
Chemical Corp. Houston chemical complex for their selection by the Deer 
Park Chamber of Commerce as the 1997 Industry of the Year. The 
Occidental Chemical Corp. Houston chemical complex's commitment to 
building a better future for our community has made it an example all 
industry can follow.
  The Occidental Chemical Corp. Houston chemical complex [OXY] Deer 
Park facility has been a integral component of the area economy since 
its creation in 1948. Located along

[[Page E2021]]

the Houston Ship Channel in my district, OXY produces many of the 
building blocks our economy needs to thrive and grow, including 
chemicals for paper, housing, and automotive manufacturing; petroleum 
products; packaging; textiles; detergents; and food processing. The 
success of the Occidental Chemical Corp. Houston chemical complex, and 
companies like it, have helped the United States become the world 
leader in petrochemical exports.
  The Occidental Chemical Corp. Houston chemical complex employees 900 
full-time and contract workers from Deer Park and the Greater Houston 
area. Its employees are an integral part of our community, contributing 
to our schools through Junior Achievement, local mentoring programs, 
and science fairs, and to area charities such as the United Way, Boys & 
Girls Harbor, Little League, and holiday food and toy drives. They also 
serve on local community advisory councils, local emergency planning 
committees, and school boards. Through their commitment, the people of 
OXY have shown that they understand that our schools and our 
neighborhoods are made better when we take the time to get involved.
  Dedication to worker safety and environmental performance has been a 
hallmark of the Occidental Chemical Corp. Houston chemical complex. 
Earlier this year, OXY was approved as a Star Work Site, the highest 
rating conferred by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 
for its outstanding worker safety record. In addition, OXY has been a 
long-time participant in the Chemical Manufacturers Association's 
Responsible Care program. The program mission is to continually improve 
safety, health, and environmental protection by the chemical industry, 
a goal OXY has fulfilled. OXY's efforts have helped set an example of 
how worker safety, environmental protection, and business growth can go 
hand-in-hand.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Occidental Chemical Corp. Houston 
chemical complex for their work in expanding business and job 
opportunities, establishing safer conditions for our workers and 
environment, and building a better future for our community.

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