California needs a plan to phase out oil refineries

Despite its ambitious climate goals, California lacks a concrete plan to phase out oil refineries, the state's largest source of industrial fossil fuel pollution.

Liza Gross reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• Experts say California can't meet its climate targets without addressing oil refinery emissions.
• Refineries are major sources of pollutants like sulfur dioxides and benzene, impacting nearby communities.
• Advocates call for a gradual reduction plan for refineries over the next two decades, starting with gasoline and diesel.

Key quote:

“There are significant acute and chronic public health and climate impacts from refiners.”

— Woody Hastings, The Climate Center

Why this matters:

Refineries significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and toxic pollution, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Phasing them out is crucial for California to meet its climate goals and protect public health.