I really want them to play the Doors over the loudspeakers on the last day. "This is the End, my only Friend the End"
Refinery in Benicia flaring as it prepares to close
By Aldo Toledo, Staff Writer March 2, 2026
The Valero oil refinery in Benicia, set to close in April, has been flaring due to the planned shutdown of equipment, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said Monday, potentially sending harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
The oil company did not immediately respond to questions about the flaring, or burning off of gases, including how long it will last.
On social media, Benicia residents have been complaining about bright flames coming from the plant throughout the day and night for several weeks.
Valero’s plant is set to close as the company announced that it could not keep up with the costs of “turning over” the facility, a lengthy and costly maintenance process that requires the plant’s temporary closure.
The plant’s permanent closure will significantly impact Benicia, a town of about 26,000 people that relies heavily on the plant for employment. More than 200 people are expected to lose their jobs at the facility.
State regulators have warned that gas prices could go up once the plant closes, along with a Phillips 66 facility in Southern California, which is also set to shut down in the coming months.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/valero-refinery-flaring-21951552.php
"On social media, Benicia residents have been complaining about bright flames coming from the plant" Can't wait until the pump prices jump up