Calif. city to continue Chevron upgrade hearings

Hundreds of people on both sides of the issue jammed into a Richmond City Council meeting Tuesday night.

Chevron wants to upgrade its facility by building a new power plant, hydrogen plant and reformer.

Representatives of the oil giant say the improvements would allow the refining of a wider range of oil.

But environmental groups argue the project would allow the company to refine heavier crude oil that would increase pollutants in the area.

The Planning Commission approved a permit for the project last month, but included in its approval about 70 provisions.

Both Chevron and environmental activists are appealing that ruling to the council, though for different reasons.