Lesson Learned? A Look at the Gulf Coast’s Petroleum Infrastructure After Hurricane Harvey

Houston Partners Derrick Carson, Chair of the Firm’s Construction Law Practice Group and Deputy Chair of the Energy Disputes Practice Group, and Gerry Pels, Chair of the Firmwide Environmental Section - Energy and Industrial, co-authored an article examining the petroleum infrastructure in the Gulf Coast area and the effect of Hurricane Harvey on the industry. The authors examine the strengths of the infrastructure, flaws exposed by Hurricane Harvey and a review of facility specific infrastructure upgrades addressing storm-related issues that can mitigate environmental liability and yield compliance benefits. The authors ultimately conclude that past investments in hardening petroleum infrastructure paid off during Harvey and overall the regulated industry fared well, but there are both financial and legal benefits to further hardening infrastructure against these kinds of storms.

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