Many in Benicia are skeptical… “It ain’t over yet.”

The Benicia Independent, by Roger Straw, Sep 16, 2025

The news came around 7pm on Monday, and the emails began flying around among those who have advocated for clean air, safe working conditions, strict monitoring and stiff fines – and for permanent closure and cleanup of Valero’s  Benicia Refinery.

Here’s how engaged Benicians are reacting – a sample taken from Monday night’s emails:

• “Wow. While I don’t have any inside information at all, and I certainly could be wrong, something tells me this isn’t the final chapter in the Valero/Benicia story. “
• “Some good news for a change! I’m thrilled at this latest turn of events. But I agree…we may not have seen the end of this drama yet. Fingers crossed that Valero closes, and is held accountable for the costs of clean up of the site, and a smooth and responsible ‘transition’ out of Benicia.”
• “IF this is truly the end, it’s all the more imperative that we press for the Air District to allocate much of the $56 million (plus possible interest) from the Valero fine/settlement to a Transition Fund that will help Benicia navigate the next five years as it becomes a more environmentally and financially sustainable community.”
•  “So here we are— Valero not going with a bang but a whimper. With no public announcement from the state about their failed bargaining with Valero? They should be embarrassed.. All those private backroom discussions didn’t add up to squat. So here we are! It’s a new ballgame!”
• “It feels good to finally have a decision and I’m glad the state didn’t step in. The idea of it being a tank farm with the lack of revenue and the continued danger of toxic air wás the worst outcome. We can now focus on the transition.”
• “My take is that Valero is still negotiating- by pretending to walk away. This is is 4th inning of a 9 inning game. They have 7 more months. We need to stay organized and envision a positive future without the major cancer factory on our fence line. “
• “Remember when you bought your first car and the salesperson wouldn’t give you the deal you wanted until you started walking off the lot? This is like that. It ain’t over yet.”