GARYVILLE — U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, recently toured the Marathon Ashland Petroleum Refinery in Garyville.

“This is certainly a part of the job that I enjoy. These employees are part of an industry that is vital to our state and one that I continue to support. I will keep fighting for incentives for offshore drilling and continue my support for the oil and gas industry in Louisiana,” said Melancon.

“This refinery has demonstrated fantastic productivity and was honored as a Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program Star Site. This is a fine example of a company bringing good paying jobs into Louisiana,” added Melancon.

Melancon had the opportunity to visit with a number of current Marathon Ashland employees at the refinery and participated in a question and answer session with them. After a presentation by Rich Bedell, plant manager, Melancon took a driving tour of the facility and visited the control room where he further interacted with employees and was briefed on each of their responsibilities. He also was presented with a personalized hardhat as a souvenir for his visit.

In the presentation, Bedell detailed the importance of the refining process in Louisiana and its role in Louisiana.

“Marathon Ashland is proud to have our Congressman from the Third District visit today to see the operations and have the chance to interact with our refinery employees. Today, he saw firsthand our commitment to the safe and efficient operation of this refinery. Additionally, we shared with the Congressman the improvements that have occurred at the Garyville facility including increasing the crude oil capacity within this past year. He understands the importance of the industry in Louisiana and we look forward to continued work with the Congressman,” said Bedell.