Accidents

BP plc said Friday that CEO John Browne, who has faced increasing scrutiny from U.S. regulators, politicians and stakeholders following problems, accidents and scandals within some of the company’s business units, will retire at the end of June, more than a year earlier than planned. Tony Hayward, currently head of exploration and production (E&P) for the London-based major, will succeed the embattled CEO.

Utility interface with hydrogen energy and transportation applications likely will develop as an offshoot of the push toward greater use of renewable energy resources, according to a panel of speakers at the National Hydrogen Association’s annual meeting Thursday in Los Angeles.

Legislation to improve the safety and security of pipelines finished its long road through the U.S. Congress last Thursday and was on its way to the president, who is expected to sign into law new rules for pipeline inspection and employee training, increased penalties for operating violations, establishment of a nationwide one-call system and protections for whistle-blowers (H.R.3609).

Legislation to improve the safety and security of pipelines finished its long road through the U.S. Congress Thursday and was on its way to the president, who is expected to sign into law new rules for pipeline inspection and employee training, increased penalties for operating violations, establishment of a nationwide one-call system and protections for whistle-blowers (H.R.3609).