Louisiana’s Energy Industry is Protecting Families From the Coronavirus

March 30, 2020

Communities all around the country are coming together to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In Louisiana, the energy industry has been especially important in these efforts. Whether it be the actual products made or critical investments, the industry is playing its part in fighting this worldwide pandemic.

Louisiana’s KADN News recently reported:

ExxonMobil Baton Rouge announced today that they are providing isopropyl alcohol (IPA), a key ingredient of hand sanitizer, to Louisiana’s Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)…The IPA unit at the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Chemical Plant is the largest producer of isopropyl alcohol in the world.

In these challenging times, this is just one example of the energy industry supporting their communities. ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Chemical Plant Manager said they are partnering with the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness on a variety of issues to ensure they’re doing their part to keep Louisianans safe and healthy. Marc Ehrhardt, executive director of the Grow Louisiana Coalition, said:

“In Louisiana, the oil and gas and petrochemical industries are at the backbone of everything we do. From the tax revenue for local schools to the investments made by individual companies, our industry is critical to solving real challenges within our state.”

The energy industry is also providing support on a national and international level. The BP Foundation announced a $2 million donation to the World Health Organization’s Solidarity Response Fund, which provides support to the health care community worldwide through critical supplies and aid. Valero Energy Corporation has also committed $1.8 million to support organizations in cities where the company operates.

Particularly in times like this, it is important to recognize and appreciate efforts that unite communities and protect people’s health – that’s exactly what the energy industry is doing in the face of this crisis.