Representatives of Bay Area environmental justice and health groups are demanding that the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) vote “yes” on Proposed Rule 6-5, which would require Chevron and PBF refineries to install the best available retrofit technology to reduce deadly particulate pollution.
Despite strong support from Bay Area health professionals and community and environmental justice groups, some Alameda County BAAQMD board members have indicated they are undecided on how they will vote, or are voting no. Members of community organizations and Bay Area health professionals are calling on BAAQMD board members to honor their mission to protect health.
Refinery communities are environmental sacrifice zones. For decades, pollution from the Chevron and PBF refineries has caused devastating health consequences for Bay Area communities. Now these refineries are fighting common-sense air quality regulations that would save lives.
Particulate matter (PM) air pollution kills up to 3,000 Bay Area residents every year. The worst source of PM pollution in the Bay Area is from these refineries’ Fluid Catalytic Cracking Units. The proposed Rule 6-5 would require the Chevron and PBF refineries to install “wet scrubbing” technology on these units, reducing PM pollution by an estimated 70%.
In June 2020, BAAQMD board members signed a resolution condemning racism and supporting racial justice. They cannot honor that resolution if they do not vote to protect health with the strongest rule that limits particulate matter.
More than 100 Bay Area physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals signed a letter to the Board in anticipation of the July 21 vote. “We health providers are entrusted with protecting public health. The statistics describing asthma rates, COVID cases, and heart disease aren’t just statistics to us. They’re our patients. They’re our community.”
Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Virtual option available via Facebook Livestream.
WHEN
Wednesday, July 14, 2 PM
WHERE
Alameda County Board of Supervisors Building
1221 Oak St., Oakland