Refinery Air Quality Bill Heads to California Governor for Final Approval

August 8, 2024

Refinery Air Quality Bill Heads to California Governor for Final Approval

Senate Bill 674 is a critical step for public health and quality of life for fenceline communities

Contacts

Erin Fitzgerald, [email protected]

Sacramento, CA-

Today, the California Legislature passed a bill aimed at establishing comprehensive air monitoring standards for refineries. Senate Bill 674, or the Refinery Pollution Reduction and Transparency Act by Majority Leader Gonzalez (D - Long Beach), now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's approval.

This bill introduces stringent measures to protect communities living near refineries from toxic emissions. Refineries will be required to promptly notify the public, through emails and texts whenever emission levels surpass safe thresholds. Additionally, they must submit quarterly reports, provide real-time air quality data, conduct third-party audits, and perform root-cause analyses within 24 hours of any incident. All findings and corrective actions must be publicly disclosed within 14 days.

"For too long, communities living next to dangerous refineries have been denied transparency about the toxic emissions this industry spews into homes, schools, and churches every day," said Oscar Espino-Padron, Senior Attorney at Earthjustice's Community Partnerships Program. "SB 674 closes senseless loopholes and sets up the robust state-wide air monitoring system that families and workers deserve. We applaud Senator Gonzalez's leadership and partnership in getting SB674 one step closer to becoming law. And we urge Governor Newsom to sign SB 674 without delay when it reaches his desk."

Environmental justice advocates and California communities have long endured the hazardous and sometimes deadly effects of nearby refineries, which often malfunction, and emit toxic chemicals like ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene.

"SB 674 is crucial for California residents like me, who've lived near refineries for decades in West Long Beach and Carson. SB 674 doesn't solve all the exposures we deal with, but it is a commitment to understanding the toxic air pollution fenceline communities have been breathing for years," said Jan Victor Andasan, community organizer at East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice. "We commend Speaker Rivas and Senator McGuire for their support of this bill. We are hopeful that Governor Newsom will uphold environmental justice and swiftly turn this much-needed bill into law."

Kids play soccer near the Phillips 66 refinery in Wilmington, Calif. (Hannah Benet for Earthjustice)

Additional Resources

• About the Community Partnerships Program

About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.