Richmond

Fighting for a Just Transition from Fossil Fuels in Richmond

Richmond residents live on the frontlines of pollution from Chevron’s massive 3,000-acre oil refinery. Chevron — the largest polluter in the area and one of the top greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters in the state — has a long record of safety and pollution violations, including an explosion on August 6, 2012, that sent 15,000 residents and 19 workers to seek medical treatment. 

Richmond has historically been a home for Black and Brown families for generations. Today, Richmond is a working-class community of predominantly people of color that has been impacted by a century of of environmental injustice and economic divestment. Industrial pollution poisons this community and contributes to disproportionate rates of asthma, cancer, and heart disease among Richmond residents.  

For over 30 years, CBE has worked with frontline community members to build a healthier Richmond. We often approach this work in coalition with allies, including Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN). In the face of Chevron’s pollution, CBE and residents are working towards a regenerative and more democratic, local economy.

Our Campaigns and Programs

  • Just Transition

    Beyond Chevron

    For over a century, Chevron has polluted Richmond's air, water, land, and politics. It’s pitted community groups against each other through its greenwashing philanthropy and has falsely claimed that its toxic flaring and daily emissions are safe. We work with community to build a plan for a just transition that supports frontline residents and workers, centers justice and healing, and builds a regenerative economy, amid the inevitable transition from the extractive economy.

  • Just Transition

    Richmond Polluters Pay

    Following the historic $550 million settlement we won between the City of Richmond and Chevron in 2024, we continue to work alongside frontline communities and organizations in Richmond to ensure that the Chevron settlement funds benefit those most impacted by Chevron’s pollution and reduce the city of Richmond’s dependence on the Chevron Refinery.

  • Soil Testing Series

    The People's Science Experiment

    Soil contamination is a critical issue in industrialized and urban areas where toxic pollutants pose long-term health risks. We’ve partnered with Stanford researchers to offer free soil testing for Richmond community members. In addition to helping community members interpret their soil testing results, we offer strategies, tips and safety precautions for remediating contaminated soil.

  • CARE

    Building Climate Adaptation and Community Resiliency

    CBE works to build a more resilient community in Richmond as its members are at the forefront of the climate crisis and industrial pollution. That means a community with the resources to rebound from disasters such as refinery fires, earthquakes, or climate emergencies, such as heat waves and severe wildfires.

Richmond Polluters Pay

How Richmond Made Polluters Pay

In 2024, a coalition of residents, community organizations, unions, and workers secured a historic settlement against the Chevron Richmond Refinery through the Polluters Pay campaign. 

Our sister organization, CBE Action, proudly co-led the Polluters Pay campaign with APEN Action, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1021, the city workers’ union, along with the support of local progressive council members and the Richmond Progressive Alliance. 

The tax measure would have brought in $60–90 million each year for the City of Richmond to pay for essential city services, clean up toxic sites, and prepare for future economic transition costs in anticipation of the projected decline in refinery product demand. 

In August 2024, the Richmond City Council voted unanimously to approve a $550 million settlement with Chevron, to be paid out over the next ten years — a significant win for our community, which has been disproportionately impacted by Chevron’s pollution. Ultimately, the strength of local organizing forced Chevron’s hand into settling early before the measure was voted on by residents.

You can learn more about the Richmond Polluters Pay campaign through the campaign playbook:

Get the Playbook

Get Involved

Our CBE Richmond members meet monthly at our Richmond office. Our meetings are in-person, but members are also able to join virtually. We offer Spanish interpretation, childcare, and transportation support for our meetings as needed. 

If you’re interested in joining our next member meeting or a toxic tour, you can sign up for our newsletter to receive invites. 

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