Benicia is home to an oil refinery operated by Valero, which employs hundreds of people and contributes tax revenue totaling an estimated 20% of the city’s general budget.
The company has also played a very active role in local elections. Valero’s political action committee spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2018 and 2020.
Now, with this year's city council race underway — and residents frustrated over recent controversies at the refinery — Valero’s role in Benicia looms large once again.
Guest: Scott Morris, reporter for the Vallejo Sun
Links:


‘Valero looms over Benicia City Council candidates forum,’ by Scott Morris, Oct. 13, 2022.



‘'First I Had Heard of It': Valero's Benicia Refinery Secretly Released Toxic Chemicals for Years,’ by Ted Goldberg, Feb. 24, 2022.

LISTEN: For 15 Years, Valero’s Benicia Refinery Released Toxic Chemicals — And No One Knew, Mar. 1, 2022.

WATCH: Benicia City Council Candidate Forum on Oct. 12, 2022.