Richmond, October 2, 2012: The Richmond City Council voted 7–0 to pass a resolution directing city staff to ensure that Chevron uses the highest standards and best technology in rebuilding equipment damaged by the August 6th refinery fire that sent more than 15,000 to seek medical care. The resolution marks the first formal government action to require safer technology in the aftermath of that disastrous fire.

The action follows demands by Communities for a Better Environment and the Asian Pacific Environmental Network to require the safest and least-emitting technology available when Chevron rebuilds its fire-damaged equipment. At stake is the public’s ability to guard against design flaws that might lead to another, and possibly even more catastrophic, chemical incident at the refinery. (See CBE’s letter to the City.)