ExxonMobil is considering spending $240m in improvements at its refinery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the state governor said on Wednesday.

If ExxonMobil goes ahead with the project, it would improve processing capability; increase flexibility for meeting market demand; and make the refinery more competitive, said John Bel Edwards, governor. He made his comments in a statement. The project would also result in a 10% reduction in emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Decisions are pending for final engineering, design and investments. The company should decide on whether it will proceed with the project in 2021.

The refinery can process 517,000 bbl/day of oil. It has been refining crude since 1909.