Oil and Gas in the Fairfield Region
While Fairfield is better known today for agriculture, logistics, and Travis Air Force Base, the area has a long and significant history in natural gas production. The Rio Vista Gas Field, located southeast of Fairfield, was once the largest natural gas field in California and remains a symbol of the region's energy heritage. Nearby, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Carquinez Strait host refineries, pipelines, and terminals that serve much of Northern California.
The oil and gas industry continues to provide jobs, tax revenue, and essential fuel supplies even as California transitions toward cleaner energy. Many companies are investing in lower-carbon fuels, carbon capture, and efficiency improvements. Here are ten of the most important oil and gas companies connected to Fairfield and Solano County.
1. Chevron
Chevron is California's largest oil company and operates the Richmond refinery in the Bay Area. Its fuel distribution network supplies many Fairfield gas stations, and the company invests heavily in renewable fuels and carbon reduction technologies.
2. Valero Energy
Valero operates the Benicia refinery in Solano County, one of the region's largest industrial employers. The refinery produces gasoline, diesel, and other fuels for Northern California. Valero also leads in renewable diesel production nationally.
3. Pacific Gas and Electric Gas Operations
PG&E manages the natural gas pipeline system that delivers gas to Fairfield homes and businesses. It also operates underground gas storage facilities in the region that help maintain supply reliability during cold weather.
4. Phillips 66
Phillips 66 converted its Rodeo refinery in Contra Costa County into one of the world's largest renewable fuels facilities. The project reflects how traditional energy companies in the region are evolving toward lower-carbon products.
5. Marathon Petroleum
Marathon Petroleum's Martinez facility, located across the Carquinez Strait from Solano County, has been converted to produce renewable diesel. Its operations support jobs and fuel supply throughout the Bay Area and Solano County.
6. Shell
Shell remains a major fuel marketer in Northern California through its branded stations. The company invests in electric vehicle charging, hydrogen, and lower-carbon fuels as part of its energy transition strategy.
7. Kinder Morgan
Kinder Morgan operates petroleum product pipelines and terminals throughout California. Its infrastructure moves gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to distribution points, including supplies that support military operations such as Travis Air Force Base.
8. California Resources Corporation
California Resources Corporation is one of the state's largest independent oil and gas producers. It is also developing carbon capture and storage projects designed to permanently store carbon dioxide underground.
9. Sacramento Basin Natural Gas Producers
A number of independent operators continue to produce natural gas from fields in the Sacramento Basin, including areas around Rio Vista and the Delta. These smaller companies supply local gas markets and maintain long-standing operations in Solano County.
10. Lodi Gas Storage
Lodi Gas Storage operates underground natural gas storage in the Sacramento Valley region. Storage facilities like these help balance seasonal demand and support reliable gas service for Northern California communities.
Economic Impact on Fairfield
- Employment: Refineries, pipelines, and service companies provide skilled, well-paid jobs for Solano County residents.
- Tax revenue: Energy facilities contribute property and sales tax that funds schools and public services.
- Supply chain: Local businesses provide maintenance, construction, and transportation services to the industry.
- Fuel reliability: Nearby refineries and terminals support stable fuel supply for residents and the military.
The Energy Transition
California's climate policies are reshaping the oil and gas sector. Refineries are converting to renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Carbon capture projects aim to reduce emissions from industrial facilities. Natural gas utilities are exploring renewable natural gas from dairy farms and landfills, and hydrogen blending in pipelines. For Solano County workers, these changes create new opportunities in emerging fuels and technologies.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Oil and gas operations require careful management of air quality, water resources, and pipeline safety. Communities near refineries, including Benicia, have pushed for stronger monitoring and transparency. Regulators and companies continue to invest in leak detection, emissions control, and emergency preparedness to protect residents and the sensitive ecosystems of Suisun Marsh and the Delta.
Natural Gas in Solano County
Many people are surprised to learn that Solano County has a long history of natural gas production. The Rio Vista Gas Field, located southeast of Fairfield, was once among the largest natural gas fields in California. While production has declined over the decades, the region still supports gas storage, pipeline infrastructure, and related service companies that keep energy flowing to homes and businesses.
The broader Bay Area also hosts several major refineries, and fuel distribution networks rely on terminals, pipelines, and transport companies that serve communities along the Interstate 80 corridor. These operations support skilled jobs in engineering, operations, safety, and logistics.
Safety, Compliance, and the Energy Transition
California enforces some of the strictest environmental and safety standards in the world for oil and gas operations. Leading companies invest heavily in leak detection, emissions reduction, pipeline integrity, and emergency response planning. When evaluating energy providers or contractors, look for strong safety records, transparent environmental reporting, and active community engagement.
The industry is also evolving. Many traditional oil and gas companies are expanding into renewable natural gas, hydrogen, carbon capture, and electric vehicle charging. For Fairfield, this transition presents opportunities to retain energy-sector jobs while supporting cleaner fuels. Companies that balance reliable energy supply with environmental responsibility will be best positioned for long-term success in California's changing energy landscape.
Final Thoughts
The oil and gas industry has shaped Solano County's economy for generations, from the historic Rio Vista Gas Field to the modern Benicia refinery. As California moves toward cleaner energy, these companies are evolving, investing in renewable fuels and carbon reduction. Understanding their role helps Fairfield residents appreciate both the region's energy legacy and its future.