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.) CBE strongly recommends a YES vote on Prop 39. View our 2012 Voting Guide here. Vote Nov 6, 2012. Researchers who affirm that children living near freeways are more likely to suffer from asthma (Read more here) are alerting urban planners about the importance of keeping homes away from busy roads. CBE requests (Read the letter here) that the City of Richmond utilize its authority to ensure that damaged equipment involved in the 6 August fire is rebuilt using the safest and least-emitting equipment designs and construction materials available. Read the San Francisco Chronicle article here. Read the news advisory here. The City of Oakland Planning Commission voted (3-2) to uphold the recommendation of its staff members to deny the appeal of a crematorium seeking to operate in East Oakland without first obtaining a Conditional Use Permit. Click here to read CBE’s press release.
City votes on safer, less-polluting refinery technology following disastrous Chevron fire
CBE’s Guide to the 2012 California State Propositions
HEALTH: Freeway pollution risk ‘very important,’ researcher says
CBE’s letter to the Richmond City Council regarding the Chevron Refinery fire
CBE is hiring in Richmond and Oakland for phone and field canvassers
Criminal investigation at Chevron refinery
Community to Seek Safety Commitments at First Richmond Council Meeting After Refinery Fire
Oakland Planning Commission Denies Crematorium’s Appeal
Media contacts regarding the Richmond refinery explosion and fire:
Dirty crude suspected in Chevron fire; agencies accept CBE’s recommendation for path of investigation