We’re making polluters pay in Contra Costa County and California!
Celebrate with us!  Two big wins for Contra Costa—polluter penalties and AB-1465! Local environmental justice activists and climate-astute legislators are driving meaningful change to hold polluters accountable. Activists had a direct impact on settlements against heavy polluters in Richmond and Benicia, while climate-concerned legislators, whom activists helped elect, then lobbied, sponsored and passed AB-1465—making polluters pay.
AB-1465: A Win for California and Contra Costa County
California has taken a bold step toward environmental justice by enacting AB-1465. This new law targets communities, such as Richmond and Martinez, which are burdened by air pollution, while holding polluters accountable.
Key highlights of AB-1465 air pollution penalties:
- Stronger penalties: Triples fines for severe air quality violations
- Targeted action: Focuses on high-pollution areas
- Accountability: Ensures polluting industries face real consequences
This law is more than increased fines. It’s a call for lasting change. For communities in Contra Costa County, where oil refineries and oil wells remain significant sources of pollution, AB-1465 provides a critical tool to address these ongoing threats to health and safety. Communities near industrial facilities deserve protection. AB-1465 helps make that possible.
Bay Area Polluters Face Major Penalties
Recent victories in the Bay Area show the power of community action. The first is the Richmond-Chevron settlement. The second, the multi-million dollar penalty Valero must pay for excessive emissions.
Chevron Settlement in Richmond
In exchange for withdrawing a controversial tax measure, Chevron reached a major settlement agreement to pay the City of Richmond $550 million over ten years.
The settlement wins big for Richmond three ways:
- Investment: Richmond plans to fund millions in community health initiatives and environmental programs.
- Deficit erased: Richmond’s budget deficit was resolved through the settlement.
- Community power: Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez credited activists for pushing Chevron to pay. “This is what people can do when we organize,” Vice Mayor Jimenez told the RichmondSide.
Valero Settlement in Benicia
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have announced an $82 million penalty for violations at Valero’s Benicia refinery dating from 2017 to 2022.
The largest penalty assessed in the Air District’s history, nearly $80 million of the fines will benefit directly communities most impacted by the factory’s emissions.
Projects financed will include:
- Reducing air pollution exposure
- Mitigating air pollution impacts
- Improving public health in areas surrounding the refinery
- Fund beneficial clean air projects in overburdened communities throughout the Bay Area
- Offset costs of investigating and prosecuting the case
These settlements send a strong message: Polluting companies must pay for their harm to public health and the environment.
What’s Next for Environmental Justice in Contra Costa County and the State?
The recent victories against polluters in Contra Costa County and across the state lay the foundation for a cleaner, more equitable future. Moving forward, we will continue pushing local policymakers to ensure:
- Polluters pay: We will fight for tougher penalties to hold polluters accountable.
- Community health matters: We will demand that local investments tackle long-standing environmental injustices.
- Stronger protections are in place: We will keep up the momentum for more robust environmental policies.
Hold Polluters Accountable: Join the Fight for Cleaner Air
The fight for environmental justice needs you! Get involved today and help make a difference in Contra Costa County:
- Volunteer your time
- Advocate for stronger policies
- Spread the word to hold polluters accountable
Sign Up Now and be part of the change. Together, we can protect our communities and the planet.
___________________
Author: Editorial Team
Image credit: 350 Contra Costa Action Volunteer Staff Photo
