Martinez Refinery Fined $10 Million for Environmental Violations

Refinery to pay one of the largest penalties ever issued by regional air regulators

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Martinez Refining Company has agreed to pay a $10 million penalty to settle allegations stemming from more than 100 notices of environmental violations over a four-year period, including multiple releases of harmful dust that impacted the nearby city of Martinez. The penalty, which also includes $600,000 in mitigation payments, is one of the largest ever reached for air district violations in the region.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities living near industrial facilities, as well as the importance of strong environmental enforcement to protect public health and safety. The significant penalty sends a clear message that compliance with air quality laws is mandatory, and that polluters will be held accountable for their actions.

The details

Between early 2020 and 2024, the Bay Area Air District issued 163 notices of violation against the Martinez Refining Company, including for multiple releases of spent catalyst that blanketed parts of the city in a white, ash-like substance. The most serious incident occurred on Thanksgiving 2022, when more than 20 tons of spent catalyst drifted over Martinez. The refinery was also cited for two additional harmful dust releases in 2023.

  • In early 2020, the Bay Area Air District began issuing notices of violation against the Martinez Refining Company.
  • On Thanksgiving 2022, the refinery released more than 20 tons of spent catalyst that blanketed parts of Martinez.
  • In July and October 2023, the refinery was cited for additional harmful dust releases.

The players

Martinez Refining Company

An East Bay refinery located at 3495 Pacheco Blvd. in Martinez, California.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton

The district attorney who announced the $10 million penalty against the Martinez Refining Company.

Bay Area Air District General Counsel Alexander Crockett

The general counsel of the Bay Area Air District, which issued the penalty and emphasized the importance of environmental compliance.

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What they’re saying

“The residents of Martinez deserve to feel safe in their communities.”

— Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton (San Francisco Chronicle)

“This enforcement action reflects significant air quality violations and makes clear that compliance with air quality laws is mandatory. Strong enforcement ensures accountability while directing resources back to the communities most affected by pollution.”

— Bay Area Air District General Counsel Alexander Crockett (San Francisco Chronicle)

“The refinery 'recognizes that we must earn the right to operate in Martinez and that we have a responsibility to be involved in and to give back to the Martinez community. We are committed to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations and to being actively engaged locally.'”

— Martinez Refining Company (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The air district is pursuing a separate enforcement action against the refinery for a fire last February that injured six people.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities living near industrial facilities and the importance of strong environmental enforcement to protect public health and safety. The significant penalty sends a clear message that compliance with air quality laws is mandatory, and that polluters will be held accountable for their actions.