Floating banners protest ‘Big Oil’ at Richmond Chevron refinery

(KRON) — Boaters deployed floating art and banners into the water by Chevron’s wharf in Richmond to protest oil tankers and the oil refinery’s operations in the area.

Activists are calling for an end to pollution from fires and oil leaks that have “plagued Richmond residents for decades.”

On Friday morning, large banners reading “Big Oil = Death” and “Water is Life” floated on waves neighboring Chevron’s docks.

Activists said local residents shoulder the impact of pollution.

“In 2025 alone, the Martinez Fire of February and Valero’s fire this month have resulted in the implementation of shelter in place orders, as once again parts of the SF Bay Area were plagued with particulate matter coating the homes of families from Martinez to Alameda.  In response, local residents are taking to boats and paddles.”

Chevron recently relocated its corporate headquarters from San Ramon in Contra Costa County to Houston, Texas, and the oil production giant cut 600 jobs in San Ramon.

Richmond native Luna Angulo said, “Our lives have been inextricably linked with the harm of a fossil-fuel based economy, and the reality today is that this relationship is coming to an end.”