Valero Mulls Closing One of California’s Last Oil Refineries (1)

Valero Energy Corp. is considering closing its San Francisco Bay Area oil refinery within a year, as strict environmental rules and heightened regulatory oversight in California have driven a string of plant closures along with conversions from crude to renewable fuels.

Valero, one of the largest US fuel makers, told the California Energy Commission that it will idle, restructure or cease operations at the refinery in Benicia by the end of April 2026, according to a statement Wednesday. The company said it’s still considering how to proceed with its other facilities in the state.

The move comes after Phillips 66 ...