Loading ...Nevadas running out of water, California oil. He’s working on imports too by harassing truckers.
Valero Energy Corporation announced it will shut down its Benicia refinery in Northern California by April 2026, citing high operating costs and strict state environmental regulations. The company plans to transition the site, potentially reducing in-state production, while continuing to supply California with gasoline via imports.
California State Portal | CA.gov +4
Key details regarding the April 2026 exit include:
- The Facility: The Benicia refinery, which employs 400 people, will cease operations, marking a significant decrease in Northern California’s refining capacity.
- Company Decision: Valero cited years of regulatory pressure, fines for air quality, and high compliance costs, taking a $1.1 billion charge on its California refinery operations.
- Supply Strategy: While refining will stop, Valero plans to import fuel, maintaining some market presence.
- Broader Impact: This follows other industry contractions, including Phillips 66 planning to shut its Los Angeles refinery and Chevron moving its corporate headquarters to Texas.