Click here for the results of a new poll by David Binder Research, commissioned by APEN (Asian Pacific Environmental Network/Laotian Organizing Project), to understand the public’s opinion towards Chevron’s proposed refinery expansion in Richmond. The poll was released to the media this morning.  In summary:

Ø  A majority of Richmond voters (54%) feel Chevron and its refinery has a negative contribution on their quality of life. Only one-third say the impact is positive, with the remainder unsure.

Ø  An overwhelming majority of voters (73%) support the City Council delaying a decision until the environmental and health impacts of refining heavier, dirtier crude oil are fully reviewed.

Ø  A majority of voters (57%) would become more favorable towards the City Council were the council to seek to limit pollution from the proposed refinery project by aggressively limiting the processing of heavier, dirtier crude oil. Only 11% would become less favorable, while the remainder is unsure.

Ø  Three-fourths of voters say it is extremely or very important that negotiations over which projects to be funded by Chevron through an agreement with City Council be determined in an open public process.

Richmond Alliance for Environmental Justice includes: Atchison Village Environment Committee, Communities for a Better Environment, West County Toxics Coalition, Laotian Organizing Project/Asian Pacific Environmental Network, Richmond Progressive Alliance, Richmond Greens, Richmond Vision 2000, ACORN Contra Costa County, Richmond Equitable Development Initiative, Urban Habitat, Faithworks!, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, Rainforest Action Network, Amazon Watch, Direct Action to Stop the War and Greenaction (partial list).

For information, contact:

Roger Kim, Associate Director

Asian Pacific Environmental Network/Laotian Organizing Project

3727 Barrett Avenue

Richmond, CA 94805

(510) 236-4616