The Contra Costa Refinery Transition Partnership (CCRTP) released a new report detailing the urgent need for proactive planning to prepare for future refinery closures in Northern California’s Contra Costa County. The report identifies 31 actionable policy recommendations aimed at ensuring a just and equitable transition for workers and frontline communities while addressing economic, environmental, and public health challenges. 

As California takes necessary steps to curb climate change, research commissioned by the CCRTP projects a 65%-95% decline in refinery production capacity in the San Francisco Bay Area by 2045. This indicates that most, if not all, of Contra Costa’s oil refineries may close in the next 20 years. 

“We have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that refinery closures have on workers, where high-wage jobs vanish overnight,” said Nick Plurkowski, President of United Steelworkers Local 5, representing workers at three of the five Bay Area refineries. “At the same time, we recognize that the energy industry is evolving, and we are committed to being part of the solution. Our priority is ensuring that the jobs of the future are union jobs—ones that provide the same economic stability, come with a strong voice in the workplace, and draw on our high level of skill. To make this a reality, we call on policymakers to enact bold, actionable policies that guarantee no worker or community is left behind during this historic shift.” 

“For too long, working class communities of color have borne the brunt of pollution and disease caused by refineries,” said Christine Cordero, Co-Director of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) whose members include families living along the fenceline of the Chevron Richmond refinery, “This transition offers a chance to end a century of environmental racism; clean the air, land, and water; and repurpose thousands of acres of refinery lands to meet community needs. We need strong commitments from policymakers to ensure that big polluters clean up their mess and invest in building a brighter, healthier future for Contra Costa workers and communities.” 

Over the past three years, labor advocates, environmental justice leaders, and researchers came together to form the CCRTP in response to the 2020 Marathon Martinez refinery closure, which resulted in the loss of more than 700 jobs. This effort builds on more than a decade of collaboration between environmental justice groups and refinery worker unions to protect the health and safety of both refinery workers and neighboring communities. Through extensive research, community engagement, and a shared commitment to finding common ground, the CCRTP developed a detailed framework to guide Contra Costa County through this critical moment and ensure a healthier, more resilient future for the region. 

“As California moves toward a clean energy future, we must center those most impacted by the shift: hardworking union refinery workers and local community members who for generations have been impacted by refinery pollution,” said Josh Sonnenfeld, Senior California Strategist at BlueGreen Alliance. “The work of the Contra Costa Refinery Transition Partnership demonstrates that we cannot and should not choose between quality jobs and a healthy environment. With proactive planning and targeted investments, we can build a clean, resilient, and equitable economy that works for everyone.” 

The report lays out 31 actionable policy recommendations designed to guide Contra Costa County through the refinery transition. Key recommendations include:  

1. Refinery Transition Planning and Oversight: Ensuring 2-years of advanced notification of refinery closure, developing proactive workforce transition plans with impacted labor representatives, and community oversight over the transition process.  

2. Worker Safety Net and Transition: Establishing a robust worker safety net, including financial assistance for impacted workers and transition support programs, including making the CA Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Fund permanent.  

3. Land Use, Decommissioning, and Clean-Up: Establishing clear statewide standards for refinery clean-up, along with proactive decommissioning plans for refineries, similar to other heavy industries. Establishing financial assurance so communities don’t get stuck with the cost of clean-up and encouraging local governments to proactively plan for future use of refinery lands upon the announcement of closures or conversions. 

4. Refinery Community Support and Transition: Establishing local community transition funds with local oversight to support the revitalization of refinery communities and preparing in advance for reductions in refinery-industry tax revenue through detailed analysis and establishment of tax remediation support programs. 

“Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy is one of the most significant economic shifts of our time, and it’s critical that we get it right,” said Jessie Hammerling, Co-Director of the Green Economy Program at the UC Berkeley Labor Center. “Our research underscores the need for proactive planning and investment in strategies that support the growth of high-quality jobs, improve community health, and foster economic resilience. With a thoughtful approach to planning and implementation, we can address the challenges of this transition while creating a more equitable and sustainable economy for workers and frontline communities in Contra Costa County.” 

Read the full report. 

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The Contra Costa Refinery Transition Partnership (CCRTP) includes United Steelworkers Local 5, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, UA Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 342, Contra Costa Labor Council, BlueGreen Alliance, UC Berkeley Labor Center, California Federation of Labor Unions, United Steelworkers District 12, and United Steelworkers International Union. 

The UC Berkeley Labor Center today released a complimentary in-depth economic analysis of the potential impacts of the energy transition on Contra Costa County, and a proposed economic development framework for promoting a Just Transition. The framework describes tools and strategies for advancing shared priorities for Contra Costa’s future economy: growing high-quality jobs, improving community health, and fostering economic resilience. This study was commissioned by the CCRTP and aligns with the CCRTP Report and Policy Recommendations. It offers a robust framework to guide policymakers, labor leaders, and community advocates in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition. It also offers lessons learned for other workers and communities preparing for the impacts of the energy transition. 

Read the full economic development study.