About this episode
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices