FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 24, 2012 MEDIA CONTACT: Tracie Morales Tracie.morales@asm.ca.

gov O: (510) 286-1400 C: (951) 520-7039

Lawmakers Skinner & Hancock Call for Legislative Hearing in Wake of Chevron Fire
RICHMONDAssemblymember Skinner and State Senator Hancock announced today that they are calling for a state level hearing once preliminary investigations are complete to review the steps government agencies are taking to help prevent events like the recent Chevron refinery fire that could have resulted in more severe consequences. While the information gathering and investigations of our local, state and federal agencies are not yet complete, we have learned so far that: Notification to residents was inadequate Response plans like shelter in place appear to be inadequate Existing monitoring equipment could not detect emissions on the night of the incident Inspection and maintenance of equipment was inadequate A non-compliant bypass pipe has been releasing unmonitored emissions

Skinner and Hancock noted that regulations governing most of these issues exist. The public needs the confidence that monitoring and enforcement is being done to the highest standard. As investigations of this incident are still underway, community meetings like the one tonight help to inform us all as we move forward. We are calling for a state level hearing to ensure that regulations on all levels are being properly enforced and to determine whether additional legislation or other action is needed to ensure that public health is protected for West Contra Costa County and all East Bay residents. ###

Capitol Office: State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0014 (916) 319-2014 Fax: (916) 319-2114 District Office: 1515 Clay Street Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 286-1400 Fax: (510) 286-1406