Exxon Asks to Expand Output at Refinery

Permission for Exxon Corp. to increase the capacity at its Benicia refinery could come within a year, according to an official with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

John Swanson, in charge of approving permits for the agency, confirmed that the company has asked for a permit to increase refinery output by about 20% to 160,000 barrels a day.

Swanson said air quality regulators and the company are negotiating to ensure that the expansion would not add to pollution.