From the City of Benicia:
Benicia, CA — The City of Benicia was formally notified today of Valero Energy Corporation’s announcement that its subsidiary, Valero Refining Company-California, has submitted notice to the California Energy Commission of its intent to idle, restructure, or cease refining operations at the Benicia Refinery by the end of April 2026.
The City will work with Valero to seek clarity around the timeline and scope of the proposed operational changes, while continuing to keep the community informed about any potential economic impacts and challenges this may present for Benicia and its residents.
“This is a moment of significant transition for our city and community,” said Benicia City Manager Mario Giuliani. “However, Benicia has shown time and again that we are resilient. Over the past two years, we’ve faced tough budget challenges and worked hard to strengthen our economic foundation — and we will continue to move forward together.”
Benicia Mayor Steve Young asserts “Valero has long been a part of Benicia’s identity and economy, and today’s news is deeply impactful for our entire community. While this potential transition raises many questions, I want to reassure our residents that the City is committed to transparency, collaboration, and careful planning. We will be working with Valero, regional partners, and state agencies to better understand the path ahead.”
Valero Energy Corporation has owned and operated the Benicia Refinery since 2000. The refinery was originally built for Humble Oil, later called Exxon. Construction of the facility began in 1968 and was completed in 1969.