Chevron Campaign Update

On Tuesday February 23, APEN, CBE, and West Toxics Coalition went to the California Court of Appeals to ensure that Chevron does not expand their facility without real safeguards for the community's health and the creation of cleaner jobs. The court room was packed, among those standing to witness were 35 coalition members. Check out the video on CBS 5. We do not expect to hear anything until sometime between March 23 and the end of April. Please support us by signing up to be a volunteer or a monthly donor! 

Background and Updates:

In June 2009 Contra Costa County Superior Court ruled that the Environmental Impact Report for a planned expansion of Chevron's refinery in Richmond, CA should have addressed whether the project would allow Chevron to process dirtier oil, disclose the harm that pollution will have on Richmond residents, and methods for mitigation of increased greenhouse gas emissions. On July 1, Judge Zuniga ordered that the expansion project be put on hold until a new, valid EIR is prepared and approved.

Mediation talks February 2009 convened by Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Senate Pro Tem Darryl Steinberg fell through - Chevron declined to participate.

Attorney General Jerry Brown's alternative proposal, crafted with the support of community residents, community groups  and other stakeholders, would permit a refinery expansion if there are strong health and greenhouse gas mitigations.  Our coalition and this alternative proposal have received the endorsement of key groups including SEIU 1021, Richmond Chapter and the American Lung Association - California.  However, Chevron declined to use this proposal as a vehicle to restart negotiations.

We can't wait any longer for clean air, good jobs, and a healthier Richmond!  Richmond residents have long suffered increased rates of ailments such as asthma, other respiratory diseases and cancer, that have been linked to exposure to chemicals commonly emitted by refineries. In 2009 the State of California released figures that showed Chevron's Richmond refinery was the single largest industrial emitter of greenhouse gases in the State.  We need good jobs for Richmond residents to transition us to solar energy and a healthier future.