Environmental and Climate Justice Victory in Richmond

On April 26, the California State Court of Appeals rejected Chevron's appeal on the refinery expansion in Richmond. The court ruled that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project violated state environmental law. This is a major victory for our communities. The San Francisco Foundation is proud to support environmental justice groups like Communities for a Better Environment (CBE), Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), West County Toxics Coalition (WCTC), and Earthjustice who worked together to play a pivotal role in holding Chevron – the largest greenhouse gas emitter in the state of California – accountable to environmental health and justice standards. These groups worked closely empowering community members who made their own voices heard, including at demonstrations and rallies at Richmond City Council meetings.

For decades, Chevron has contributed to Richmond's poor air quality, which affects the community's higher rates of cancer, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. If this current project were to go forward and Chevron processed lower quality crude, the refinery would likely emit significantly more toxic pollution. This pollution would include chemicals linked to cancer and respiratory ailments, according to the groups' expert. The EPA reported nearly 100,000 pounds of toxic waste from the site in 2007, including more than 4,000 pounds of benzene (a known human carcinogen) and 455,000 pounds of ammonia; repeated exposure to these chemicals can cause an asthma-like illness and lead to lung damage. This project also would create an additional 900,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, not taking into account a switch to dirtier crude.

The implications of this community victory reach far beyond the City of Richmond. Chevron is using its expansion project to also attack the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which requires companies to disclose greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts of proposed projects. The state goes even further, requiring companies to reduce significant environmental impacts. These local environmental organizations are continuing their fight to understand how pollution impacts our communities and to strengthen health and environmental standards across our state.  

For more information about our Environment program, visit our program page.