Valero Fined $82M for Benicia Refinery Pollution

Valero Refining Co. has been fined nearly $82 million by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board for extensive air pollution violations at its Benicia refinery. This penalty, the largest ever imposed by the district, is a result of unreported toxic emissions from the refinery's hydrogen system, which included cancer-causing compounds like benzene and xylene, continuing since 2003. Over $64 million of the fine will be reinvested into local projects aimed at reducing air pollution and improving public health, with community input guiding the selection process. The refinery management was aware of these violations but failed to report or mitigate them, leading to significant legal repercussions. This fine is part of a broader effort to hold polluters accountable and represents one of several substantial penalties levied against refineries in the Bay Area this year. Valero has committed to reconfiguring its systems to prevent future violations and to training its employees on air regulations.