Kevin Slagle, a spokesperson for California’s main oil industry group, the Western States Petroleum Association, said oil refining is already more expensive in California than anywhere else in the U.S.
“Any additional local taxes or regulatory programs could make operations more challenging and expensive, which could lead to higher costs at the pump for all,” Slagle said in an email.
During Tuesday night’s meeting, Jimenez pushed back on the oil industry assertions and said the new tax revenue would not only fund city operations but also help build green businesses to take the place of fossil fuel production.
“What we are proposing is not going to break things or just to make them leave,” she said. “What we are proposing is to make sure that we continue to advocate for such a big business with billions of dollars to pay their fair share to Richmond.”
Oil refining is the largest single source of pollution in Richmond, with harmful health effects. Emissions of particulate matter from the Chevron Refinery are responsible for 5 to 11 premature deaths in Richmond each year, according to estimations by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The air district also cites those emissions contributing to cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses and asthma.
Asthma rates for Richmond residents are higher than 90% of other Californians, according to state data.
“I myself suffer from asthma. My son, who’s 9 years old, is a two-time cancer survivor,” said Sandy Saeteurn, a political director with the Asian Pacific Environmental Network and a longtime Richmond resident.
She said the Chevron Refinery is “continuing to pollute our air, our environment, our health. And yet we are not seeing them as good neighbors. We want to make sure that they’re investing in our city, investing in our residents and the future of our community.”
Read More: Richmond Oil Refining Tax on Chevron, a Major Polluter, Moves Closer to Ballot