From Sfchronicle · · 1m 40s
Richmond's Mayor Election Tests Chevron Relationship
Richmond's mayoral race could end its 'abusive relationship' with Chevron refinery.
In brief
Richmond's mayoral race could end its 'abusive relationship' with Chevron refinery. Richmond faces a $550 million Chevron settlement and a choice between progressive environmental policies or police expansion. Originally reported by Sfchronicle.
Monthly Siren Test
Luna Angulo recalls 2012 refinery fire that sent smoke over Richmond.
“That was the moment Richmonders realized Chevron is not the friendly neighbor on the hill they’d thought it was.”
Health Impact
Angulo’s severe asthma and family respiratory issues linked to refinery pollution.
“What are they going to pay me for the damage to my lungs?”
Refinery History
Chevron refinery began in 1902 with 200 residents and grew to 2,100 by 1905.
“In 1902, when Chevron’s predecessor, the Pacific Coast Oil Company, transformed 600 acres of abandoned farmland along San Francisco Bay into the West Coast’s largest and most advanced refinery, around 200 people lived in the village nearby.”
2012 Fire Aftermath
Over 15,000 people sought medical attention after the refinery fire.
“On Aug. 6, 2012, the refinery fire sent towering clouds of smoke over Richmond.”
Chevron Settlement
Chevron agreed to pay Richmond $550 million over 10 years for refinery pollution.
“Chevron agreed in 2024 to pay the city of Richmond a $550 million settlement over 10 years.”
Mayoral Candidates
Claudia Jiménez (progressive) and Ahmad Anderson (moderate) compete for Richmond mayor.
“Calling this a 'turning point' would be an understatement.”
Refinery Employment
Chevron supports 3,000 employees and contractors, twice Richmond’s next-largest employer.
“Chevron’s Richmond refinery supports about 3,000 employees and contractors, more than twice the workforce of the city’s next-largest employer.”
Health Risks
Residents near refinery face 37 cancer cases per million lifetime risk, four times the safety threshold.
“A recent Bay Area Air District assessment found that residents living near the Chevron refinery face an estimated maximum lifetime cancer risk of 37 cases per million, meaning 37 additional chances in one million of developing cancer over a lifetime of exposure.”
Iron Triangle
73% of Iron Triangle residents are Latino with median income of $69,000.
“Among the areas identified as particularly vulnerable was the Iron Triangle, where about 73% of residents are Latino and the median household income is around $69,000.”
Progressive Alliance
Richmond Progressive Alliance has backed candidates challenging Chevron’s political influence.
“Formed in 2003 as a coalition of local Democrats, Green Party members and independents, the Richmond Progressive Alliance has become a major force in city politics.”
2012 Fire Impact
Angulo’s grandmother developed respiratory illness after 2012 refinery fire.
“On Aug. 6, 2012, the refinery fire she remembers so vividly sent towering clouds of smoke over Richmond, and in the days that followed, her grandmother developed a respiratory illness.”
Asthma Rates
17% of Richmond children have asthma, more than twice national average.
“A 2015 survey found that 17% of Richmond children had asthma, more than twice the national average.”
Refinery Workers
Only 150 Chevron workers live in Richmond, a sharp decline from past decades.
“A 2022 UC Berkeley analysis co-authored by Angulo found that only around 150 of those workers lived in Richmond, a sharp contrast with earlier decades, when most refinery workers lived in the city.”
Election Strategy
Jiménez wants to use settlement funds for cleaner industries; Anderson focuses on police expansion.
“The more moderate Anderson argues that Richmond should first expand its police force and reduce its violent-crime rate, which was nearly twice the state average last year.”
Chevron Donations
Chevron donated $48 million to local nonprofits since 2012.
“Since the 2012 fire, Chevron has donated around $48 million to local nonprofits, including hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to children’s charities.”
Future Plans
Richmond plans to hire consultant to determine how to spend $550 million settlement.
“The city plans to hire a consultant to gather residents’ input and recommend how to spend it, a process the next mayor will help guide.”
The short version
Richmond faces a $550 million Chevron settlement and a choice between progressive environmental policies or police expansion.
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