Court rules Richmond refinery plan is inadequate

Contra Costa Times ^ | 4/26/10 | Katherine Tam

[SmithL]

The environmental analysis of Chevron's plan to retrofit its Richmond refinery, including the core question on whether pollution would increase, is inadequate under state law.

The state Court of Appeal issued a highly anticipated 35-page ruling Monday afternoon that essentially keeps the refinery project at a standstill until holes in the environmental report are fixed.

Chevron is disappointed in the ruling, said refinery representative Brent Tippen.

"We feel both the evidence and the law amply supports the adequacy of the environmental impact report," Tippen said. "We are now reviewing the court's decision and will determine what is next to be done."

The environmentalists that sued Chevron and the city of Richmond say their aim is not to stop the 108-year-old refinery from operating but to ensure it does so without public risks.

"The decision lays out a clear road map for Chevron to expand its refinery in a way that's legal and won't harm the health of people living right across the fence," said Deborah Reames, attorney for the environmentalists.

"The community has been fighting back for decades - this victory is huge," said Henry Clark, executive director of the West County Toxics Coalition.

The ruling caps a five-year battle over Chevron's plan to replace its power plant, hydrogen plant and reformer to refine a wider range of crude with more sulfur and produce more California-grade gasoline.

[SmithL]

The price of gasoline is going up.

[NormsRevenge]

$6 dollar a gallon, $6 dollar bridge toll, $6 dollar latte.. *-o

[telebob]

Proof once again that you can’t do business in this state. The commies and their friends in the courts thwart every effort.

[businessprofessor]

“Proof once again that you can’t do business in this state. The commies and their friends in the courts thwart every effort.”

The environmental laws give the left standing to sue over political issues. The left was unhappy that the political process allowed permits for expansion and modernization. The political process should decide about the permits, not the left using the court system.

The environmental laws have made environmentalists into the fifth branch of government. Environmentalists can ignore the political, using the courts to thwart issues that should be made by the party in power.

The power of the environmentalists is one important reason that I am pessimistic about future energy supplies and production. Even if conservatives gain control of government, environmentalists cannot be stopped. Overriding the power given to the environmentalists through new legislation is impossible. Democrats can compromise on energy and just watch environmentalists due their bidding.

[Hoodat]

Businesses like Chevron should wise up and realize that California wants to destroy them. Move out of the state. Set up shop in states that actually want your business and act accordingly. Move the lubricants operation to Port Arthur, and sell the refinery piece by piece to the highest bidder on the condition that it be reassembled anywhere outside of the Peoples Republic of California.

[thackney]

Look for this refinery to follow the steps of California’s Big West (Flying J).

It will be closed and eventually cut up to be moved overseas, likely Brazil or Columbia.

[telebob]

Good points but I wonder why you say the following:

"Overriding the power given to the environmentalists through new legislation is impossible."

[businessprofessor]

“Good points but I wonder why you say the following:

“Overriding the power given to the environmentalists through new legislation is impossible.””

Impossible is not the correct word because obviously laws can be changed. I will say that it is highly unlikely. An earthquake in politics would need to occur before this provision in environmental laws is changed. Conservatives would need to have at least 60 solid votes in the Senate and very strong control of the House along with a conservative in the White House.