Valero shutters Benicia refinery, hundreds lose jobs, $82M fine cited amid environmental and regulatory pressures

Hundreds of Valero layoffs begin in California as company idles major refinery #MacroEdge — MacroEdge (@MacroEdgeRes) January 15, 2026 Are California’s regulations killing energy jobs faster than companies can adapt? Valero is idling its Benicia refinery due to high operational costs, strict California regulations, and ongoing environmental violations, including a recent $82M fine and lawsuit …

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California to lose 20% of fuel supply in 2026. Green mandates and fines push refineries to close. Valero refinery shutdown in 2026 cuts 400 jobs

CALIFORNIA’S GAS PLAN: LESS FUEL, MORE PAIN AT THE PUMP California is about to lose 20% of its fuel-making power, and drivers are bracing for impact. Valero’s Benicia refinery will shut down in 2026, cutting over 400 jobs and slashing supply in a state already paying $4.83 a gallon—$1.68 above the national average. So, lawmakers …

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Valero Could Be Next To Shutter California Oil Refineries

Last week, Phillips 66 said it would shut down its Los Angeles oil refinery by the end of next year. Now, refining peer Valero Energy Corp is suggesting it could be next. Valero, the United States’ second-largest refiner by capacity, is keeping all options “on the table” for its two California refineries. According to the …

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