Proposed legislation by Sen. Bill Dodd aims to increase fines for incidents at refineries such as last May’s flareup at the Valero Benicia Refinery.
(File photo by Ashton Lyle)

Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) has introduced a new bill to prevent harmful emissions from oil refineries by increasing fines for serious violations of emissions standards that lead to sickness in individuals or forcing sheltering-in-place orders, according to a news release.

Dodd represents Benicia and Martinez in the state Senate, which encompass the majority of the Bay Area’s refineries. In May, a power outage at the Valero Benicia Refinery led to the release of 80,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide and a shelter in place order for residents, businesses and schools in or near the Industrial Park. As a result, Valero was issued four violations of regional air pollution rules.

Additionally, in Sept. 2016, an oil sheen connected to a taker at the Phillips 66 refinery in Rodeo spilled into the San Pablo Bay sending an odor that sickened people in nearby areas– including Vallejo, which Dodd also represents. The state’s Office of Emergency Services reported that area hospitals and medical facilities treated 120 patients for headaches, nausea, dizziness, and burning of the eyes, nose and throat, according to the news release. The Phillips 66 refinery was subsequently issued a notice of violation by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Dodd’s bill, Senate Bill 1144, aims to triple existing fines for refineries that violate emission standards if they cause health problems or impact more than 25 people. The current maximum amount for the most frequent level of fines is $10,000 and has not been adjusted since 1974, according to the news release. Dodd’s bill would increase the fines to $30,000.

“There are already fines on the books for illegal refinery emissions, but the most common fine hasn’t been increased since Richard Nixon was in the White House,” Dodd said in a statement. “When people are sickened by refinery emissions or forced to shelter-in-place, there should be stiffer penalties. My bill reinforces that oil companies should take proactive steps to avoid violations in the first place.”

If refineries are found to be negligent, the amount would increase to $75,000 per day, according to the release. If a refinery commits multiple serious violations within three years, the fines could go up to $500,000 per day, according to the release.

“Representing communities that house several refineries, I want to encourage the industry to be proactive in meeting their duty to neighboring residents,” Dodd said in a statement. “This measure isn’t a silver bullet for addressing safety, but it certainly provides greater incentive to act responsibly.”

Dodd’s bill is expected to have a committee vote next month. Funds from the bill would be used to support stronger air monitoring and enforcement, according to the release.

Sharing is caring!