Q. Why do radical environmentalist have so much power?
A. They really don't.
Number one reason no new refineries built - they're damn expensive and oil companies dont really want to have to do them. Making existing refineries more efficient is more cost effective. (And the "no new refineries!" cry, really ignores the vast improvements in efficiency and output of existing plant over the last 30 years)
Number 2 reason - Not In My Back Yard. For years refineries were dumped in the poorer neighborhoods. The poor folk got wiser and more active.
Number 36 reason - radical environmentalists