Gas prices ‘about to get worse’ state senator warns due to pending oil refinery closure
A pump at a La Mesa Chevon station File photo by Chris Stone Times of San Diego Senate minority leader Brian Jones R-San Diego warned Californians to brace for higher gas prices and fuel shortages in the wake of an released oil refinery closure Valero Potential Corporation which has operated the Benicia refinery for years notified the California Resource Commission of its intent to idle restructure or cease refining operations outside of San Francisco by the end of April The location processes barrels of oil per day nearly of the state s crude oil limit and employs around workers Executives are seeking to close the refinery because of high costs and strict environmental regulations in California according to a company announcement Hardworking California families are paying the price We already have the highest gas prices in the nation and it s about to get worse Jones disclosed in a announcement The Bay Area Air District and California Air Information Board fined Valero Strength Co million the largest fine in the district s history in October for knowingly releasing toxic chemicals and other harmful contaminants at its Benicia refinery since While the full job impact of Valero s closure is still unknown Benicia city bureaucrats anticipate a critical transition for the local region Valero has long been a part of Benicia s identity and business sector and in the present day s news is deeply impactful for our entire society commented Mayor Steve Young While this prospective transition raises several questions I want to reassure our residents that the city is committed to transparency collaboration and careful planning We will be working with Valero regional partners and state agencies to better understand the path ahead he mentioned The Benicia refinery was built in for Humble Oil later called Exxon but Valero Power Corporation has owned and operated the location since Valero s announcement follows a broader trend of oil and gas companies leaving California The Phillips refinery in Wilmington permanently closed its major Los Angeles location in October It processed of the state s refining maximum Similarly Chevron is relocating its California headquarters to Houston following the lawsuit by Attorney General Rob Bonta alleging that Chevron misled the populace about weather change and engaged in harmful environmental practices Chevron is laying off about California workers as it shifts operations out of state
