In response to the Richmond City Council’s decision to place a refinery tax measure on the November ballot, Chevron employees and a newly formed nonprofit, Coalition for Richmond’s Future, have filed a lawsuit challenging the measure’s language. Dubbed the Polluters Pay Initiative by activists, the measure aims to generate $60 million to $90 million annually in taxes from the Richmond refinery. However, the lawsuit, filed in Contra Costa Superior Court, claims the ballot language is misleading, suggesting funds would go toward specific city services when, as a general tax, the money would go into the general fund for broader use, primarily covering employee wages, benefits, and pensions.

The coalition argues that the language misleads voters about the tax’s impact and seeks to prevent the use of the current measure language on any ballots. Hilary Gibson, representing the coalition, and Daniela Dickey, a Chevron employee, emphasize the importance of fair and accurate ballot language.

Chevron spokesperson Ross Allen asserts that the measure was driven by special interests and warns of negative economic consequences for Richmond residents if passed. The oil company believes that a fair and impartial ballot question would lead voters to reject the measure.

Supporters of the initiative, including Communities for a Better Environment and the Asian Pacific Environmental Network Action, argue that the tax is necessary to hold Chevron accountable and ensure the company pays its fair share for city services. They contend that the measure’s language is consistent with similar measures across the state and accuse Chevron of attempting to undermine the democratic process. The lawsuit lists the Richmond city clerk and Contra Costa registrar of voters as defendants