Chevron, one of the world's largest oil companies, could end up paying much more to do business in the East Bay, as Richmond city leaders Tuesday are set to vote on a proposed new tax measure on the company's refinery.
If the City Council votes yes, the proposed new oil refining business tax will go on the November ballot.
The mayor and vice mayor of Richmond say the new tax would raise millions of dollars annually for the city while they along with environmental groups accuse the Chevron refinery of harming the local environment and the residents who live nearby.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District estimates that each year, between five and 11 people die prematurely in Richmond because of emissions from the refinery.
Last month, Chevron told KQED that the proposed tax is hasty and being pushed by one-sided interests.
Chevron released the following statement in response to the tax proposal and ahead of Tuesday's vote:
Local
"This is a punitive tax that could be used to fund pet projects of the actvist council members that brought it forward and was written without any accountability for how they spend it. We have been very responsive to City and Community requests -- we work nonstop to operate safely and reliably, reduce our environmental footprint and support our community.
"We need policies that encourage investment, increase job opportunities and improve air quality. This tax will do the opposite."
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The Western States Petroleum Association said an additional tax would make gas more expensive.
