Energy Infrastructure and Refining

An explosion and fire at the Valero Port Arthur refinery sent smoke and flames into the air and prompted shelter-in-place orders for parts of the city's west side after residents reported a loud boom and shaking windows. Mayor Charlotte Moses said there were no injuries and no air-quality problems so far, Valero confirmed all personnel were accounted for and its emergency response team was coordinating with authorities, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality deployed air-monitoring equipment and urged residents to keep windows closed and limit outdoor activity.