SAN ANTONIO -- Valero Energy Corp. Monday agreed to sell a refinery and dozens of retail outlets in northern California in concessions required by the Federal Trade Commission prior to approving its proposed acquisition of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corp.

WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced training for employers, including independent lubricant manufacturers, via satellite broadcast on its new injury and illness recordkeeping rule. OSHA’s revised recordkeeping requirements, which cover some 1.4 million employers, take effect on January 1, 2002.

WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), the chairman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, announced this past weekend that he remains committed to the passage of S. 1499, the “American Small Business Relief and Recovery Act of 2001.” The legislation, co-sponsored by 60 Senators, is intended to assist small businesses affected by the tragic events of September 11th. Sen. Kerry’s attempt to have the measure considered on the Senate floor last week was blocked by Sen. John Kyl (R-AZ) on behalf of the Bush Administration.