Chevron on Monday agreed to further reduce emissions from its Richmond, Calif., refinery in an effort to win the city’s approval for a $1 billion modernization plan. Via the Contra Costa Times, Chevron said it would keep emissions flat instead of preventing any “net” increase, as was previously agreed upon. Chevron will limit the Richmond refinery’s high-sulfur oil processing, which the company is planning to increase as part of the project. A Chevron spokeswoman conceded that while the newly agreed upon emissions standards are more environmentally beneficial they would result in lower operational flexibility.
Chevron also agreed to increase investments in nonprofits and green jobs programs in Richmond from $30 million to $60 million. Richmond’s city council will vote on the project next Tuesday.
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