Latest stories
Refinery reports yet another gas release
The same day the Kern County Planning Commission recommended approving an expansion of the Big West of California refinery, an equipment failure at the facility vented sulfur gas into the air.
County planners endorse refinery expansion plan
The Kern County Planning Department has endorsed the Big West of California expansion plan under an alternate design that does not introduce a new hazardous chemical into the community.
Valley lawmakers offer support for Rosedale refinery expansion
Three Central Valley lawmakers have voiced support for Big West of California refinery expansion.
Refinery pressed for thousands more trees, millions in projects
The Big West of California refinery expansion promises more gasoline and diesel, new jobs and a boost to the tax base.
Learn about refinery expansion plans at workshops
Three public workshops have been scheduled to provide information on the proposed Big West of California refinery expansion.
Unions accused of 'environmental extortion' in refinery dispute
A construction industry association has accused local labor unions of using “environmental extortion” to secure a union-only contract to construct the proposed Big West of California refinery expansion.
Letters from public largely support refinery alternative
A recent proposal to expand the Big West of California refinery on Rosedale Highway without using new toxic chemicals has been gaining public support.
Refinery environmental report released
A new report on the Big West of California refinery expansion shows two hotly debated chemicals carry about the same risks to the community but a third option would have significantly fewer hazards.
Shell Oil restarts cleanup of site
Shell Oil has restarted a system to clean up pollution beneath the Rosedale Highway refinery that environmental regulators say was shut down more than two years ago without their approval.
Big West defends handling of ammonia leak
Refinery officials said Thursday one cup of anhydrous ammonia is what set off an alarm at the refinery this weekend, an event that has a state senator and county supervisor calling for a full-scale investigation.