Martinez Refinery Company Fined $10.6M for Environmental Violations

Contra Costa DA and Air District prosecution leads to penalties, compliance improvements, and mitigation payments

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A joint prosecution by the Contra Costa District Attorney and Bay Area Air District has resulted in a $10 million penalty against Martinez Refining Company (MRC), along with compliance improvements at its Martinez refinery, and $600,000 in mitigation payments for supplemental environmental projects. The case involved a number of violations that occurred at MRC's refinery between 2020 and 2024, including illegal flaring, fires, leaking tanks, public nuisance-level odors, and releases of 'coke dust' beyond the refinery's fence line.

Why it matters

This enforcement action holds the Martinez Refining Company accountable for numerous environmental violations and reinforces the Contra Costa District Attorney's and Air District's dedication to protecting public health and safety. The penalties and mitigation payments will fund projects to improve air quality and environmental conditions in the local community impacted by the refinery's operations.

The details

The $10 million penalty will be distributed as follows: $6.35 million to the Air District, $3.5 million to the District Attorney's Office Environmental Unit, $100,000 to Contra Costa Health Services, and $50,000 to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. In addition, MRC will pay $600,000 in mitigation payments, including $450,000 for air filtration systems in public schools near the refinery, $100,000 for environmental regulator scholarships, and $50,000 for the county's fish and wildlife resources. The judgment also requires MRC to make operational changes to its catalytic cracking unit and install enhanced emissions monitoring systems.

  • The violations occurred between early 2020 and late 2024.
  • The final judgment was signed on February 18, 2026.
  • The case did not include the February 1, 2025 fire at the MRC refinery, which is being addressed through a separate enforcement action.

The players

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton

The district attorney who said the residents of Martinez deserve to feel safe in their communities and that this civil action holds the Martinez Refining Company accountable for numerous violations.

Bay Area Air District General Counsel Alexander Crockett

The Air District's general counsel who stated that this enforcement action reflects significant air quality violations and makes clear that compliance with air quality laws is mandatory.

Martinez Refining Company (MRC)

The refinery located in Martinez, California that was fined $10 million and required to make operational changes and mitigation payments as a result of the enforcement action.

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What they’re saying

“The residents of Martinez deserve to feel safe in their communities. This civil action holds the Martinez Refining Company accountable for numerous violations, enforces compliance with the law, and reinforces our office's dedication to protecting public health and safety through all available legal means, including civil action.”

— Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton (Contra Costa Herald)

“This enforcement action reflects significant air quality violations and makes clear that compliance with air quality laws is mandatory. The penalty the Air District is collecting through this action will support local and regional projects that improve air quality and public health under our Community Benefits Policy. Strong enforcement ensures accountability while directing resources back to the communities most affected by pollution.”

— Bay Area Air District General Counsel Alexander Crockett (Contra Costa Herald)

“We are committed to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations and to being actively engaged locally. In resolving these matters, MRC included provisions directly for the benefit of the Martinez community.”

— Dominic Aliano, Media Relations for Martinez Refining Company (MRC) (Contra Costa Herald)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong environmental enforcement and accountability for companies that violate air quality regulations. The significant penalties and mitigation payments will help fund projects to improve air quality and environmental conditions in the Martinez community impacted by the refinery's operations.