Overview

• Valero Energy Corporation has confirmed its Benicia refinery will cease operations in 2026, ending over two decades of local operations under Valero's ownership.
• A formal notice of intent to 'idle, restructure, or cease refining operations' was submitted to the California Energy Commission by Valero Refining Company-California.
• City officials describe the refinery's closure as a significant shift for Benicia, given its longstanding role in the city's economy and identity since its construction in the late 1960s.
• Benicia's local government is working closely with Valero to clarify the timeline and scope of the shutdown while planning for the economic and social impacts on the community.
• Valero leadership has pledged to engage with employees, business partners, and the community throughout the transition process.