Don Cuffel Email & Phone Number

Houston, Texas, Us

As our society seeks a sea change for our relationship with energy, we find that competing pressures of climate, economics, human behavior, regulation and technological innovation often tug in opposing directions. Having a strategy for reducing dependency on carbon-based fuels is not enough. We must know how to navigate these real-world complexities to successfully design and execute projects that actually reduce carbon emissions. Clean hydrogen is certainly part of the overall solution suite. I’m honored to participate in the energy transformation as the VP of Engineering for Bison Fuels.

San Francisco, California, Us

I am delighted to provide HSE support for Ammobia on their mission to feed and fuel the world with clean ammonia.

After 42 satisfying years in the refining industry with the last 24 in Health, Safety, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs, I can offer meaningful experience and perspective to those seeking to adopt strategies which have worked well, and to avoid others which have not. I greatly enjoy sharing effective program principles for creating or improving work practices and policies for environmental permitting, Process Safety Management and occupational safety. I am also an expert witness for selected topics.I am not seeking full-time employment; however, I would be delighted to consider your short-term or part-time opportunities where I can make significant contributions. I am a life-long learner and teacher, and I hope to engage with others seeking a better understanding of the topic(s) at hand. Expansive and creative collaboration delivers superior results.

Greater New York Area, New York, Us

As a sole proprietor, I am bringing my life experience to bear on the development, design and operation of green hydrogen production facilities for industries such as: upstream oil and gas, refining, fertilizer, petrochemical, automotive and steel. Imagine the environmental benefit of carbon-free H2 production using only renewable energy and water to replace or blend with conventional gray or blue hydrogen. This is a product whose time has come.

My direct reports manage Process Safety Management (PSM), Occupational safety & Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Engineering (compliance, permitting waste management, internal audit and more), Regulatory Affairs and Emergency Response. I report to the Vice President and General Manager of the Benicia Refinery and represent HSE on the Refinery Leadership Team. My role includes HSE oversight plus active advocacy in regulatory affairs including rulemaking and permits.

This position oversees 10 professionals and many consultants to support compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local regulations as well as permits for air (Title V), water (NPDES, storm water, groundwater), waste management, dredging, NSR/PSD permitting, Community Liaison interaction, public outreach, in-house training and Company policy.

Compliance Assurance Officer for major facility permits (Air) and NPDES (water). Established first-in-corporation reasonable inquiry system to independently verify compliance status such that Responsible Official can certify. Supervised expert staff to permit environmental projects totaling $750MM (EIR, CEQA, BAAQMD, Title V) in 2008-2010. Note: Valero purchased the Benicia Refinery from ExxonMobil in May 2000.

Responsible for 1/2 refinery process unit maintenance, turnaround planning, instrument and electrical specialties, new construction. Managed budgets in excess of $100MM annually. Great experience for hands-on engineering and implementing work practice efficiencies. Note: I started with Exxon in July 1978 at the Aruba, Netherlands Antilles refinery (Lago Oil & Transport Company, Ltd.).

Esl, Esl Certificate

Mba, Business Administration

B.S., Mechanical Engineering

International Baccalaureate