Energy Infrastructure and Safety

A large explosion at Valero’s Port Arthur refinery near the Texas coast prompted parts of the city’s west side to be ordered to shelter in place after residents reported a loud boom and shaking windows; Mayor Charlotte M. Moses said “everybody’s OK” and there were no injuries. Texas Rep. Christian Manuel said the TCEQ deployed air‑monitoring equipment and urged residents to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed while officials work with local and state partners; Valero had not responded to inquiries, and the incident comes amid a spike in gas prices tied to uncertainty over the Iran war.