WASHINGTON, DC— On Saturday, a hydrocarbon material leak at the Martinez Refining Company caused a fire that injured six individuals and triggered a health advisory. In response to this ongoing situation U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), California State Senator Tim Grayson, Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn and Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston released the following statement:
“My heart goes out to the Martinez Refinery workers and anyone else who has been affected by this horrific fire.” said Rep. Garamendi (D-CA-08) “The Martinez Refinery has a history of concerns regarding safety, and last week we saw the results. While we are still gathering information about the cause of this fire, what we do know is that this disaster reflects poor leadership and a lack of standards from the Martinez Refining Company. Our community deserves answers and I along I will continue to work with our local leaders to get those answers and hold the Martinez Refining Company responsible.”
“Having had 30 years of dealing with the oil industry, it is past time for every federal, state, and local regulatory agency with jurisdiction over the Martinez Refining Company to act aggressively with all the statutory authority they have to hold the refinery accountable,” said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. “I am working with Congressman Garamendi to ensure this happens. Without more aggressive oversight it is not a question of whether deaths will occur, but when given the company’s disregard for safety.”
“The health and safety of our community remains my top priority, and I am thankful to our firefighters and mutual aid responders who worked to contain the fire at the Martinez Refining Company,” said Senator Tim Grayson (D-Concord). “As the ensuing investigation takes place over the coming days, I will support transparency and accuracy surrounding the facts of what took place, leading to accountability. The central priority throughout this investigation will remain the safety of our community and our workers.”
“I want to thank the County HazMat teams, County Health teams, the Contra Costa Fire Protection District, and the Martinez Police Department, who worked with the refinery to respond to this emergency,” said Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn. “This most recent incident, just one in a long string of issues, highlights the need to keep the people of Martinez, and the entire County, safe. I am asking Contra Costa Health for additional information so that our residents can fully understand what impacts the fire may have had on their families’ health. I am relieved that this major fire resulted in only minor injuries for the six workers. We will work with the County to hold the refinery to a higher standard for their workers’ safety and also to reduce the health risk the refinery continues to pose to our community.”
“I understand the frustration, fear, and anger experienced by Martinez residents in the wake of Saturday’s fire at the Martinez Refining Company,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston. “This is the third major incident since PBF Energy purchased the refinery in 2020 and many more spills and releases have occurred since then. This is not acceptable, and I am working to get answers for our community. “Currently, the County, and other regulatory agencies, will conduct an independent investigation into what caused the fire, what violations may have occurred, what potential environmental hazards linger, and what are necessary improvements needed to ensure public and worker safety and health. In addition, I am requesting a Full Facility Audit under the provisions of the County’s Industrial Safety Ordinance.”
Previous Stories:
- Feb 4 – Martinez Health Advisory Lifted
- Feb 4 – Scales-Preston Issues Statement on Martinez Refining Company Fire
- Feb 4 – Contra Costa Fire Releases Incident Report from Martinez Refinery Fire
- Feb 2 – Bay Area Air District Releases Report on Martinez Refinery Fire
- Feb 1 – Update: Martinez Refinery Fire Injures 3, Shelter-in-Place
