Refinery Permit Drama: EPA Sides Partly with Pollution Watchdogs
Published Date: 6/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA reviewed a petition from the Del Amo Action Committee about the air pollution permit for Torrance Refining Company in California. They agreed with some concerns but denied others, meaning the refinery’s permit will be partly changed to better protect air quality. This decision affects the refinery’s operations and helps keep the air cleaner for the community starting early 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Refinery Permit Partly Modified
The EPA signed an order on January 7, 2025, that granted in part and denied in part a July 10, 2024 petition about the Title V operating permit renewal for Torrance Refining Company, LLC. The order means the refinery’s permit issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District will be partly changed, which affects the refinery’s operations in Los Angeles County, California.
Local Air Quality Protections Strengthened
The EPA agreed with some concerns in the July 10, 2024 petition and ordered partial changes to the Torrance refinery permit on January 7, 2025 to better protect air quality. The decision is described as helping keep the air cleaner for the community starting early 2025 in Los Angeles County, California.
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