Navigating Change: The Impact of Refinery Shutdowns on Communities

July Climate Circle: Navigating Change: The impact of refinery shutdowns in our communities, Monday, July 7, at Noon

What happens to a community when a refinery shuts down? The recent announcement that the Valero refinery may close sent shockwaves through Benicia, a community that relies heavily on its operations. With hundreds of jobs in jeopardy and significant environmental implications for the community, the stakes could not be higher. At the July Climate Circle, we will delve into how our local communities can adapt and thrive in the face of refinery closures.

We invite you to join us in exploring the questions you may have about what happens when a  refinery closes, as well as potential solutions.

Crucial Questions Surrounding Refinery Shutdowns

Some of the concerns the people of Benicia rightfully address are relevant to any community facing a refinery closure.

• How will the closure impact the local workforce and economy?
• What measures will ensure environmental safety during the transition?
• How will the closure affect the fuel supply chain?
• How can the community engage in planning for economic development?
• What responsibilities do refinery operators have to the affected community?

But let’s not stop there. What innovative strategies might ensure a sustainable future for our communities? Can the challenges of fossil-fuel phase-out be opportunities for renewable energy and a clean, healthy environment?

Critical Solutions for Navigating Refinery Closures

The questions of safety, community support, and accountability remain vital to any community’s response to a refinery closure. As Clair Brown, Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley, said recently in the Sunflower Alliance newsletter:

We must demand accountability, ensure community support, and insist on strong safety oversight until the final barrel
is refined. The goal is not just cleaner energy, but a fairer and more responsible energy system.

Like other environmental groups, 350 Contra Costa Action advocates developing plans to implement the following solutions.

• Implement severance and retraining programs for displaced workers.
• Establish safety protocols to protect public health and the environment.
• Develop a strategic plan for fuel delivery alternatives.
• Engage local groups in planning for sustainable growth.
• Ensure refinery operators contribute to community support initiatives.

We look forward to sharing our questions and perspectives about refinery closures at the July Climate Circle.

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Image credit: Christine Stevens