The potential closure of the Valero refinery in Benicia by April 2026 is alarming for local residents, as the city relies on refinery tax revenues for public services. The impending closure raises concerns about the impact on public safety and maintenance. While this shift could lead to a cleaner environment, it also poses economic challenges for workers and local governments. Alternative revenue sources, like solar energy, could mitigate some losses. Community leaders and policymakers are urged to prepare for a future without the refinery and to consider the value of public services like weather forecasting, which may also face budget cuts.
News of the possible closure by April 2026 of the Valero refinery in Benicia came as a shock to residents and has been a major topic of conversation here.
Possible revenue replacements include solar facilities and other cleaner industries. Local governments, and state lawmakers and policymakers, as well as workers who could be displaced, still have time to start planning for a post-refinery era.
While we in the Bay Area may not see an immediate effect, this will be felt elsewhere in the nation. We have numerous government programs that provide valuable services to the public without our understanding their value.
For public agencies, this information allows them to warn us of coming storms. Don't cut this life-saving service.
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