RICHMOND, CA – In August 2024, ACCE Richmond and local communities were prepared to take the fight to the ballot with the "Make Polluters Pay" campaign. Led by the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), the campaign aimed to impose a tax on oil refining in Richmond, holding polluters accountable while funding clean air and water initiatives, emergency services, healthcare, and youth programs.

However, the Richmond City Council removed the Polluters Pay measure from the November ballot after accepting a $550 million settlement from Chevron. It was only fair that the community has a voice in deciding how that settlement is spent.

In response, ACCE Richmond members, alongside community residents and APEN, rallied to demand accountability. We successfully urged the Richmond City Council to pass a resolution committing to allocate the $550 million settlement toward essential services and Just Transition planning for a cleaner and more sustainable future.