CARSON, CA — In response to Valero's recent announcement that it will shut down refining operations at its Benicia facility by April 2026, Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) released the following statement:
"With everyday Californians already grappling with rising costs at the pump along with mounting utility bills, the prospective loss of yet another refinery should be a wake-up call," said Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson). "We cannot ignore the broader implications this will have on fuel supply, job security, and economic resilience across the state."
Gipson, whose district includes a significant share of California’s energy infrastructure and thousands of industry workers, stressed the importance of preserving jobs, especially amidst inflation and increasing gas prices.
"My community stands at the crossroads of California’s energy transition and greatly benefits from industry employment," Gipson said. "Our energy future must be accessible, reliable, and affordable, and driving away a prominent source of economic vitality will not help in this mission – it will directly work against it. I have said it before and I will say it again: We need to put the livelihood of people first and ensure they have jobs that enable them to put food on the table. Furthermore, we cannot afford to move forward with blinders on, especially when the livelihood of working families is at stake. This means that we need to ensure that our policies support those who power our state, not hurt them."
Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson proudly represents the 65th Assembly District which includes the cities and communities of Watts, Willowbrook, Compton, Carson, North Long Beach, Harbor Gateway North & South, Harbor City, Wilmington, and San Pedro.
CONTACT: EJ Aguayo, ej.aguayo@asm.ca.gov, (916) 319-2065