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Valero Refinery Closure: $7.7M Loss for Benicia, Environmental Win

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Valero refinery in Benicia will begin a phased shutdown.
Mayor Steve Young of Benicia said the closure will cost the city about $7.7 million annually.
Valero is the largest private employer in Benicia, with about 420 full-time workers.
After the shutdown, part of the facility will store imported gasoline.
Environmental advocates welcome the closure due to the refinery's history of air quality violations.

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Story summary

The Valero refinery in Benicia will begin a phased shutdown.
Mayor Steve Young of Benicia said the closure will cost the city about $7.7 million annually.
Valero is the largest private employer in Benicia, with about 420 full-time workers.
After the shutdown, part of the facility will store imported gasoline.
Environmental advocates welcome the closure due to the refinery's history of air quality violations.