Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Torrance Community Calls For Ban On Chemical At Local Refinery
In a news conference Saturday morning, Torrance community residents and activists called for a ban on the use of a refinery chemical at Torrance Refining Co. because of the fires and explosions that have occurred in recent years, according to the LA Times. The presence of modified hydrofluoric acid at the refinery is a threat to the safety and health of Torrance citizens, according to the activists and city council members calling for the ban. This news conference comes a few days after an EPA report outlined the lack of risk management and the dangers of modified hydrofluoric acid (a chemical the refinery claims is safer than unmodified hydrofluoric acid). It also occurred before the South Coast Air Quality Management District began an investigative hearingon the air quality impact of the Torrance Refining Co.
According to the Daily Breeze, after the plant switched ownership from ExxonMobil to PBF Energy last year, the Torrance Fire Department has received 97 reports of incidents at the facility. These events reached a peak in February, when firefighters extinguished a massive blaze at the refinery. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board conducted an investigation after the incident, revealing that a a piece of equipment almost crashed into large vat of modified hydrofluoric acid, according to the LA Times. This would have created a highly toxic cloud, according to the Safety Board.
State Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) used the conference to outline bills he has introduced to address the safety issues, most of which surround the use of modified hydrofluoric acid. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Ahn is also a member of the coalition to phase out the use of the acid, saying "It is for these reasons that I believe that phasing out the use of modified hydrofluoric acid is not a matter of if, but when and how," according to the LA Times.
On Tuesday, Torrance City Council voted 5-2 against banning the use of the acid, but 7-0 in support of improved safety measures, according to CBS.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist