Latest stories
Supervisors grill Big West about leak
Kern County supervisors lashed out at Big West of California refinery officials Tuesday after requesting they appear to answer questions about an recent anhydrous ammonia release.
Florez calls for inquiry into refinery leak notification
State Sen. Dean Florez asked the state attorney general Tuesday to investigate Big West of California refinery’s response to a weekend anhydrous ammonia leak.
Rosedale refinery leaks small amount of ammonia
The Big West of California refinery leaked a small amount of ammonia just after midnight Saturday that sounded an evacuation alarm that was heard by residents in some nearby neighborhoods.
The Big West debate: Who's right?
In a television ad promoting the Big West of California refinery expansion, the company's fire chief says modified hydrofluoric acid, a chemical the company would use, is as safe as sulfuric acid.
Big West lobbying to speed up expansion approval
As public controversy swirls over its proposed refinery expansion, Big West of California now faces another hurdle.
Refinery debate turns into advertising war
A massive and dueling campaign to sway public opinion on a local refinery’s expansion plans is hitting people’s mailboxes, televisions and newspaper pages.
Nurses join anti-refinery chemical campaign
Some Bakersfield nurses have joined a group opposing the proposed use of a controversial chemical at Big West’s refinery on Rosedale Highway.
Police, fire unions oppose Rosedale refinery expansion
City police and firefighters unions announced Wednesday that they’ve joined the newly-formed community group Bakersfield Citizens Against Hydrofluoric Acid in opposing the use of a caustic chemical in a planned expansion at the Big West refinery.
Refinery officials to Dean Florez: You're wrong
Big West refinery officials have responded to criticism from state Sen. Dean Florez about plans to use a controversial chemical in a proposed expansion.
Group forms to oppose refinery chemical
Opposition to the use of a hazardous chemical as part of a planned expansion at the Big West refinery gained momentum Monday when a newly organized group voiced concerns about the toxic substance.