It was one year ago when a massive fire at a Chevron refinery in
Richmond, California, sent toxic smoke billowing into the air about 10
miles northeast of San Francisco. In the aftermath, more than 15,000
people sought medical treatment for respiratory problems. On Monday,
Chevron pleaded no contest to six criminal charges related to the fire
and agreed to submit to additional oversight over the next few years and
pay $2 million in fines and restitution as part of a plea deal with
state and county prosecutors. Two days earlier, thousands of people
marched to condemn safety issues at Chevron’s plant and to call for
renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. "The community of Richmond does
not deserve and will not stand for these kinds of toxic releases that
impact our health and safety and also impact the sustainability of our
planet," says Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin. Last week, the Richmond
City Council voted to file suit against Chevron, citing "a continuation
of years of neglect, lax oversight and corporate indifference to
necessary safety inspection and repairs.”
Video
Source: democracynow.org
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Video
Source: democracynow.org
Author: --
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