Shakedowns, extortion, blackmail, payoffs = organized crime has nothing on the Demonazi's!
People don't realize that the laws of this country have small print that say:
If you pay a communist / organized crime boss enough protection money (campaign contributions), you won't be held to the same rules and laws that the "little guys" are forced to abide by.
Just look at Enron and Global Crossings and Robert Rubin and Red Davis' polluters' payoffs if you doubt it.
Extortion - I was thinking the same thing. Grey-out needs this refinery to stay open even though it is so old that it is dangerous. The state of California hasn't allowed any new refineries in over twenty years, but still expects the oil companies to be able to provide an adequate supply of California approved gasoline. Davis should be paying the oil company, instead of the other way around.