![1A With a name inspired by the First Amendment, 1A explores important issues such as policy, politics, technology, and what connects us across the fissures that divide the country. The program also delves into pop culture, sports, and humor. 1A's goal is to act as a national mirror-taking time to help America look at itself and to ask what it wants to be.](/wp-content/uploads/91FM/schedulelogos/1a.jpg)
Refinery shouldn’t reopen, PES worker-turned-filmmaker says
Bilal Motley’s 48-minute documentary, “Midnight Oil,” chronicles the last days of the South Philly complex. Some of his former coworkers are not pleased.
5 years ago
Listen 5:03U.S. trustee lodges objection to refinery owner’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan
Andrew R. Vara, charged with administrative oversight of the bankruptcy, says the plan has issues with discharge claims, release provisions, statutory fees.
5 years ago
Pro-refinery factions intensify pressure to negate PES sale agreement
Refinery supporters including union leaders have joined forces, with the backing of the White House, to question PES’ decision favoring the lower bidder.
5 years ago
Philadelphia, state join suit against EPA over chemical-safety rules at industrial sites
The city and state joined 13 other states and the District of Columbia in a federal lawsuit that says the new rules violate the Clean Air Act.
5 years ago
New owner of PES site has no plans to continue refinery operations, city says
Brian Abernathy, who co-chaired the city’s Refinery Advisory Group, said Hilco Redevelopment Partners envisions warehouse and logistics space as likely uses.
5 years ago
Chicago-based Hilco Redevelopment Partners buys PES refinery for $240 million
The Chicago-based real estate company was the winning bidder for the South Philly complex as part of Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ bankruptcy, according to documents filed.
5 years ago
Future of PES refinery could be decided Friday behind closed doors
A New York law office will host the bankruptcy sale of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions complex, closed since June’s explosion and fire.
5 years ago
High levels of cancer-causing chemical recorded at PES refinery in May, report reveals
The city knew about the high levels of benzene at the refinery, but decided not to inform the public.
5 years ago
Six months after the fire, both ex-refinery workers and PES struggle to find new lives
Moving on hasn’t been easy since the June fire disrupted livelihoods and sent the refinery back into bankruptcy. Some have new jobs; some don’t.
5 years ago
Listen 1:50City’s report on refinery site: A cleaner use, while desirable, isn’t likely in the short term
Though it urges cleaner use of the site long term, the Refinery Advisory Group’s report says the city has limited control over the fate of the complex.
5 years ago
Listen 1:53Many voices with one mission: Seeking a safer future for PES refinery site
Residents, labor leaders, health and environmental experts, planners and municipal officials gave City Council oversight panels their recommendations.
5 years ago
City Council takes stance supporting a cleaner use for PES refinery site
In a resolution passed unanimously, Council expressed “strong interest and enthusiastic support” for proposals in tune with Philadelphia’s climate goals.
5 years ago
Future owner of PES refinery could be decided as soon as January
So far, 15 parties have expressed interest in the complex, though their identities were not disclosed. Philadelphia Energy Solutions may hold an auction.
5 years ago
Activists take over meeting on Philly refinery cleanup, demand public involvement
Tired of being left out of the process, protesters refused to let public meetings on cleaning up the refinery site move ahead.
5 years ago
Listen 1:30Investigation in hand, South Philly residents blame refinery for putting their lives in jeopardy
After learning the results of the Chemical Safety Board investigation into the June 21 fire, many blame the refinery for putting their lives in jeopardy.
5 years ago
Listen 1:48