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, a project of Tides Advocacy, proudly co-led the campaign with APEN Action, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1021, along with the support of local progressive council members and the Richmond Progressive Alliance.

The proposed 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. Ultimately, the strength of local organizing forced Chevron’s hand into settling early before the measure was voted on by residents.

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.

Learn more about the Richmond Polluters Pay campaign by downloading the playbook today.