Martinez refineries face growing pressure over air quality violations

Northern California residents are demanding stronger government oversight of two local refineries that have accumulated hundreds of violations over five years, citing safety and health concerns.

First covered Oct 9, 2026 · 4:01 PM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

Martinez refineries face growing pressure over air quality violations — Image via insideclimatenews.org

Coverage

32d Inside Climate News Northern California Community Wants Stronger Oversight of Dangerous Refineries Nearby — MARTINEZ, Calif.—Scores of people tired of living near accident-prone refineries packed an elementary school auditorium to hear what their government officials…

Primary sources

baaqmd.gov 2025 Refinery Flaring Frequency Pdf (baaqmd.gov)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 38834926 (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

More coverage from around the web

localnewsmatters.org $10 million settlement reached in Martinez refinery air violations spanning 4 years - Local News Matters

baaqmd.gov Joint DA-Air District Prosecution Secures $10M From Martinez Refining Company

sfchronicle.com Bay Area refinery to pay one of the largest penalties ever issued by regional air regulators

kqed.org Major Bay Area Refinery to Pay $10 Million for Long Stretch of Violations

danvillesanramon.com Strong odors, flaring at Martinez refinery pose no increased health risks to public, county health says - Danville San Ramon

Appeared in: 2026-10-12 (#10)

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