Create penalties for chemical releases that trigger emergency sirens

Chevron & the RefineryGovernance

In Plain English

Richmond has emergency sirens that warn residents when chemical plants release dangerous materials. Currently, companies face no city penalties when their accidents trigger these sirens. If approved, companies pay fines when their discharges activate the warning system.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

For the City Council to schedule a public hearing to consider declaring the Chevron Richmond Refinery a public nuisance and consider potential abatement actions or penalties, amended to state that a public hearing be held during the first council meeting in March to discuss the option of considering Chevron a public nuisance and taking appropriate action

Moved by: Councilmember ButtSeconded by: Councilmember Thurmond

Failed

For the City Attorney to study the legality of possibly declaring the Chevron Refinery a 'public nuisance'

Moved by: Vice Mayor Bates

Failed

That staff talk to Chevron, schedule the public hearing, and if Chevron agrees, there would be an independent person who would audit all of Chevron's safety practices and make a public report to the City Council. If this occurs the public hearing would not be necessary

Moved by: Councilmember RogersSeconded by: Councilmember Marquez

Failed

2 to 2

McLaughlinNay

ThurmondNay

BatesAbstain

ButtAbstain

RogersAye

LopezAbstain

ViramontesAbstain

MarquezAye

SandhuAbstain

That the public hearing not be scheduled until after the full report from Chevron is received by the City Council and that Contra Costa County also present their report

Moved by: Vice Mayor BatesSeconded by: Councilmember Viramontes

Passed

5 to 3

McLaughlinNay

ThurmondNay

BatesAye

ButtAbstain

RogersNay

LopezAye

ViramontesAye

MarquezAye

SandhuAye