Antioch's Energy Heritage
Antioch and its neighbors along the Carquinez Strait and San Joaquin River have a long industrial history. The region was once known for coal mining at the nearby Black Diamond Mines, and later became part of a major refining and power generation corridor stretching from Richmond to Pittsburg and Antioch. Natural gas fields in the Delta also contributed to the area's energy role.
Today, the oil and gas industry in the region is evolving. Several refineries have converted or are converting to renewable fuels, while natural gas power plants provide reliable electricity as California integrates more renewable energy. These companies remain significant employers and economic contributors in Contra Costa County.
How We Selected These Companies
We considered companies with operations in or near Antioch and the wider Contra Costa County energy corridor, their economic impact, and their role in the region's energy transition.
The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies Relevant to Antioch
1. Chevron
Chevron operates a major refinery in Richmond and is headquartered in the East Bay. It is one of the largest energy companies in the world and a major regional employer.
2. PBF Energy
PBF Energy operates a refinery in Martinez, producing transportation fuels for Northern California and supporting jobs across Contra Costa County.
3. Marathon Petroleum
Marathon converted its Martinez refinery to produce renewable fuels, reflecting the region's shift toward lower-carbon energy.
4. Neste
Neste, a global leader in renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, partners in the Martinez Renewables facility, contributing to cleaner fuel production in the region.
5. Phillips 66
Phillips 66 transformed its Rodeo facility into a renewable fuels plant, one of the largest of its kind, marking a major shift in Bay Area refining.
6. Valero
Valero has long operated a refinery in Benicia, across the Carquinez Strait, which has been an important part of Northern California's fuel supply as the industry evolves.
7. Kinder Morgan
Kinder Morgan operates pipelines and terminals that transport and store fuels across California, playing a key role in regional fuel distribution.
8. Calpine
Calpine operates natural gas power plants in the Pittsburg and Antioch area, including the Delta Energy Center and Los Medanos Energy Center, providing reliable electricity.
9. Pacific Gas and Electric
PG&E operates natural gas transmission and distribution systems and the Gateway Generating Station in Antioch, delivering gas and electricity to residents and businesses.
10. California Resources Corporation
California Resources Corporation is a major in-state energy producer focused on oil, natural gas, and carbon management initiatives.
Economic Impact on Antioch
The energy sector provides well-paying jobs in operations, maintenance, engineering, and skilled trades. Contractors, suppliers, and service businesses in Antioch benefit from industry spending. Energy companies also contribute to local tax revenue and community programs.
As the industry shifts, workforce training programs help workers transition into renewable fuels, carbon management, and clean energy careers.
Industry Trends
The most significant trend is the conversion of refineries to renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production. Carbon capture and storage projects are being explored to reduce emissions. Natural gas plants increasingly serve as backup power to support grid reliability alongside renewables. Environmental regulations and community health concerns continue to shape operations.
These changes reflect California's broader push toward lower-carbon energy while maintaining reliable supply.
Safety and Community Relations
Energy facilities in Contra Costa County operate under strict safety and environmental regulations. Air quality agencies monitor emissions, and the county maintains an industrial safety ordinance and community warning systems designed to alert residents in the event of an incident. Many companies participate in community advisory panels that give residents a voice in facility operations and emergency planning.
Residents of Antioch and neighboring cities benefit from understanding local emergency alert systems and shelter-in-place procedures. Transparent communication between companies, regulators, and communities builds trust and improves safety outcomes.
Workforce Transition and Training
As the industry shifts toward renewable fuels and lower-carbon operations, workers need new skills. Many refinery and power plant roles, such as process operators, maintenance technicians, electricians, and engineers, translate into renewable fuel production, hydrogen projects, and carbon management. Unions, community colleges, and employers are collaborating on training programs to help workers move into these evolving roles.
For Antioch families with generations of ties to the energy sector, these programs offer a path to continued stable employment in a changing industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are refineries near Antioch closing?
Several Bay Area facilities have converted to renewable fuels, and the industry continues to evolve in response to market conditions and state policy. Residents should follow official company and regulatory announcements for current information.
The Role of Natural Gas in Grid Reliability
Even as renewable energy expands, natural gas power plants near Antioch continue to play a role in keeping the lights on. When solar output drops in the evening or during extended heat waves, flexible gas plants can ramp up quickly to meet demand. Over time, battery storage and other clean resources are expected to take on more of this balancing role. For now, these plants serve as an important bridge, supporting reliability while California works to meet its long-term clean energy goals.
Final Thoughts
The oil and gas industry has shaped Antioch's economy for generations and continues to evolve. Understanding these companies and their transition strategies helps residents, workers, and businesses prepare for the region's energy future.