LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Occidental Petroleum announced today that it will make two donations totaling $450,000 to aid victims of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav in Texas and Louisiana. Oxy will donate $250,000 to the American Red Cross, which is providing food, shelter and other resources to thousands affected by the recent hurricanes in Texas. In addition, Oxy will contribute $200,000 to LAFESTE, the Louisiana Foundation for Excellence in Science, Technology and Education, to help cover the cost of generators being provided to assist evacuees who are returning to areas of Louisiana otherwise without electrical power.

In announcing the donations, Dr. Ray R. Irani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, ``Oxy is deeply concerned with the toll that Hurricanes Ike and Gustav have taken on the Texas and Louisiana communities where many of our employees and their families work and live. With these donations, we hope to assist all those contending with the aftermath of the two devastating hurricanes.''

The No. 1 oil producer in Texas, Oxy maintains a significant presence in Houston with its Greenway Plaza administrative offices as well as OxyChem production facilities. OxyChem is one of the leading chemical manufacturers in Louisiana, where the company operates major facilities in Convent, Geismar and Taft. Oxy has been part of the Texas business community for nearly 50 years and has operated in Louisiana for more than 40 years.

About Oxy

Occidental Petroleum Corporation is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Middle East/North Africa and Latin America regions. Oxy is the fourth largest U.S. oil and gas company, based on equity market capitalization. Oxy's wholly owned subsidiary, OxyChem, manufactures and markets chlor-alkali products and vinyls. Occidental is committed to safeguarding the environment, protecting the safety and health of employees and neighboring communities and upholding high standards of social responsibility in all of the company's worldwide operations.

          Occidental Petroleum Corporation
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          Richard S. Kline
            310-443-6249 
            richard_kline@oxy.com
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          Chris Stavros
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            chris_stavros@oxy.com
          www.oxy.com