NPRA's 32nd International Petrochemical Conference Opens in San Antonio; John Bolton, Former...

SAN ANTONIO -- NPRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, today convenes its 32nd International Petrochemical Conference (IPC), the world's premier petrochemical meeting. Over 3,200 petrochemical executives representing approximately 600 companies from 48 countries are expected

to attend. NPRA Vice Chairman Norm Phillips, Senior Vice President, Lyondell Chemical Company, will preside over the three-day conference at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. John Bolton, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, will deliver the keynote address at the International Petrochemical Luncheon.

NPRA Vice Chairman Norm Phillips said, "As 2007 unfolds, the 110th Congress will aggressively scrutinize energy policy and the U.S. oil and gas industry. In this increasingly uncertain environment, NPRA will continue its assertive public policy advocacy on important issues facing the U.S. petrochemical industry. Much-needed access to available natural gas reserves in the U.S., amongst other issues, will be critical in helping maintain the competitiveness of petrochemical and other U.S. manufacturers.

"There is also an increased focus on environmental concerns, such as global climate change, and oversight of Environmental Protection Agency actions affecting environmental controls on facilities and products. Chemical facility security legislation may be revisited. All of these issues are crucial to maintaining a strong and diverse domestic petrochemical industry. NPRA continues to work on these issues to ensure final policies are effective without damaging the competitiveness of U.S. petrochemical producers in the global marketplace."

For over 30 years, the IPC has provided a unique forum for petrochemical executives to assess emerging trends, and formulate new ideas and strategic directions. This year's IPC program follows this strong tradition. The conference features a group of distinguished international speakers who will offer their perspectives on current conditions facing the global petrochemical industry. The keynote speaker at Tuesday's luncheon is John Bolton, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Ambassador Bolton will speak on, "America, International Security and the Future," and will share his thoughts on the role of diplomacy in the U.S. government's international relationships.

Monday morning's Keynote Breakfast features Jose Carlos Grubisich, Chief Executive Officer of Braskem, Brazil, and Bjorn Lomborg, adjunct professor at the Copenhagen Business School and author of "The Skeptical Environmentalist." The Supply Chain Forum will feature the Honorable Alfonso Martinez-Fonts, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, who will give his viewpoint on the new U.S. security regulations. Fred Hayes, Vice President, Global Procurement, Dell, Inc., will share his expertise on effective supply chain management.

Tuesday morning's Petrochemical Forum features The Honorable Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Member of the European Parliament, who was active in the development of the REACH regulations; Dr. Gary Ross, CEO of the PIRA Energy Group, will present the oil and natural gas outlook, including liquefied natural gas.

NPRA is a national trade association with more than 450 member companies, including virtually all U.S. refiners and petrochemical manufacturers.