File:BakersfieldOilRefinery.jpg

Summary
A file photo showing the Big West oil refinery, Bakersfield, California.

Soon after filing for Chapter 11 protection on 22 December 2008, Big West closed this refinery ostensibly for 10 days of routine maintenance, but it has yet to come back online.

A consumer watchdog group wants to investigate whether Shell or any other major oil companies were using their financial leverage to prevent the plant from reopening.

Shell Oil sold the refinery to Big West in 2005.

Los Angeles Times, found at: Los Angeles Times, Copyright 2009 Los Angeles Times.