Phillips 66 will close Los Angeles oil refinery next year amid regulatory changes

Phillips 66 announced plans to shutter its Los Angeles refinery by late 2025, just days after California passed new laws aimed at curbing gasoline price spikes and tightening refinery oversight.

Wes Venteicher reports for POLITICO.

In short:

Phillips 66 will close its Los Angeles refinery, which supplies 8% of California's gasoline, citing market uncertainties.
The closure follows new legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that increases state regulation over fuel storage and refinery operations.
Phillips 66 says it will continue to supply fuel through other means, including renewable energy sources from its San Francisco refinery.

Key quote:

“With the long-term sustainability of our Los Angeles refinery uncertain... we are working with leading land development firms to evaluate the future use of our unique properties near the Port of Los Angeles.”

— Mark Lashier, chairman and CEO of Phillips 66

Why this matters:

California's efforts to transition from fossil fuels face challenges balancing energy supply and environmental goals. The refinery's closure could strain gasoline production, leading to higher prices or supply disruptions in a state already battling high fuel costs.

www.politico.com

Phillips 66 will close Los Angeles oil refinery next year amid regulatory changes

Climate-resilient housing models slow to gain ground in disaster-prone Bangladesh

The battle over solar on farmland

4 ways Trump is sabotaging climate action around the world

Even low-risk homes are caught up in California’s climate insurance crisis

Iran war should trigger faster exit from fossil fuel dependence, UN climate chief says

'Doomsday Clock' advances to 85 seconds to midnight

The latest front in the battle over climate lawsuits: bills wiping out liability

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.