Commentary by John Márquez

This past National Night Out residents asked me about the Chevron project. I explained that the project has restrictions and that the community derives benefits from it. Many were happily surprised and appreciated the explanations and understood that my priority is the public’s health and safety.
   I voted to approve the Conditional Use Permit because it restricts toxic air pollutants and greenhouse gases; limits the type of crude refined to light crude (not heavy or dirty crude); reduces sulfur dioxide emissions; and requires ground-level monitoring in Atchison Village, North Richmond and Point Richmond. I support the project because I believe it is important to replace the existing 60-yearold machinery and equipment, which are known pollutants.
    In supporting the project, I also voted to approve the following Community Benefits Agreement: $6 million for a community health plan at Brookside Health Clinic to enhance access to health care and treatment for low-income seniors and working families; $11.25 million for the Safe Richmond Initiative to increase the number of police officers and trained firefighters, and to implement a violence prevention strategy through the Office of Neighborhood Safety; and $10 million to fund nonprofits and community programs.
    The Chevron project will also provide training for our residents and jobs for 1,200 construction workers. These benefits are a limited list, but I believe they are important to Richmond’s most affected residents.
    Finally, I have met with and listened to all parties concerned with the Chevron project (including three times with the state attorney general) and advocated for the conditions and community benefits that improve the environment of our most affected residents. As your elected representative I believe that in order to make good policy decisions I have to listen to all points of view and meet with all concerned parties.
    Therefore, I sincerely believe that my voting to approve the Conditional Use Permit and the Community Benefits Agreement was the right thing to do and in the best interest of our most affected residents and the entire city.
    For a copy of the Conditional Use Permit and Community Benefits Agreement, please contact the city manager’s office at (510) 620-6512.

John Márquez is the vice mayor of Richmond.