Valero's "cease of operations" draws concerns of economical impacts statewide

A potential major blow to the city of Benicia, as Valero announces its intent to close down its major oil refinery there The Texas-based company submitted a notice to the California Energy Commission that it plans to “idle, restructure or cease” its refining operations at the Benicia facility a year from now, in April 2026. Hundreds of people work at the refinery, which refines about nine percent of California’s crude oil. Its closure could have a significant economic impact on the surrounding area as well as on the price of gasoline at the pump. For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Steve Scott and KCBS political reporter Doug Sovern spoke with Mario Giuliani, city manager for Benicia.