Transcript:
The Chevron refinery in Richmond, California produces more than 200,000 barrels of oil per day.
In the process, it helps air pollution where many residents suffer from asthma.
In 2012, a fire at the refinery caused 15,000 people to seek medical treatment.
Christine Cordero is with Apen, an Asian Pacific environmental network. For decades, the organization has criticized refineries and advocated community needs.
Cordero: “Richmond is a working-class community where families work hard to meet basic needs. … We have a lot of potholes that have not been filled yet, the fire department is actually understaffed, our parks and libraries are working to stay open, and companies like the billion-profit Chevron.”
Last year, Apen was part of the Polluter Pay campaign that drove taxes on every barrel of oil produced by refineries.
The event prompted Chevron to reach an agreement. The company agreed to pay the city $550 million in 10 years and revokes the tax proposal.
The deal doesn’t directly address health issues caused by fossil fuel pollution, but it does offer opportunities to invest in communities that have been damaged, Codro said.
Codro: “That's how it's a victory.”
Report Credit: Chavobart Digital Media
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