Environmental Activists Stage Protest at Texaco Refinery

Brandishing hot dogs on barbecue sticks and sparklers, a dozen Calpirg activists wearing Pinocchio-style noses held a rally at Texaco’s Wilmington refinery Thursday to protest an oil industry campaign that members claim is against improving efforts to reduce air pollution.

The California Public Interest Research Group, which supports environmental and consumer issues, mobilized the protest in recognition of Tuesday’s Earth Day celebration. Organizers contend that while the Southland’s air is much cleaner than it was in 1970 when Earth Day started, it is still tainted with toxic chemicals, many of which are produced at oil refineries.

“The fight for clean air is far from over,” said Calpirg campaign director Patricia Meyer. “Unfortunately, we aren’t just fighting the air pollution, we are still fighting the same big polluters that have opposed the Clean Air Act since 1970.”

Calpirg volunteer David Busch claims that many oil companies, power plants and diesel trucks are among the major producers of smog and soot, and said they are trying to shift the attention to things such as barbecues and lawn mowers. For example, an information sheet that Calpirg officials claim Exxon has sent out with its credit card bills blasts the new standards, arguing that businesses of every size could face new restrictions and higher costs.

“Even family activities could be affected. In some areas, use of lawn mowers, barbecues and fireplaces will likely face restrictions,” the flier says.

Texaco spokeswoman Barbara Kornylo said the oil giant disagrees with Calpirg’s assessment that it is trying to place the blame on someone else. Kornylo said many in the oil industry disagree with the new standards, arguing that they are not based on good science. Even so, she said Texaco is spending $2.5 billion to meet the government’s requirements for cleaner gasoline.