Latest stories
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.
Florez opposes chemical's use at Big West
State Sen. Dean Florez has jumped into the debate over a local refinery's plans to expand.
Expansion plans to move forward
Plans to expand Big West of California’s Rosedale Highway refinery are about to move forward after concerns about the risks to surrounding neighborhoods and schools ground them to a halt.
Industry touts economic benefits of expansion
With a $5,000 loan from his mother, Chad Hathaway leased six oil wells from the state in 2001 that were orphaned by small producers bankrupted when oil prices plunged in the mid-1980s.
Refinery critics eagerly await new report
Big West has launched a PR offensive in its bid to expand but community members remain apprehensive.