ESG Report - Report - Page 40
Protecting and Building Strong Communities
Public awareness and interest in environmental justice
(EJ) has grown along with the current administration's
prioritization of EJ in policymaking. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) defines EJ as the fair treatment
and meaningful involvement of all people regardless
of race, color, national origin or income, with respect to
the development, implementation and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations and policies. Recently,
EPA released guidance and principles to include EJ
factors in air permitting applications.
"At the refinery level, there are significant
actions [Valero has] taken to address
environmental and health concerns and to
contribute to improving the quality of life of
underserved communities.”
– Montrose Environmental, the third-party
environmental consultants that conducted
Valero's Environmental Justice Audit.
In 2009, Valero formally adopted an Environmental
Justice Policy Statement, becoming the first major
energy company to do so. Our efforts to collaborate with
stakeholders and assist in addressing social, economic
and environmental concerns are part of being a good
neighbor. We partner with and support organizations
working to improve healthcare access, food security,
affordable housing and other basic needs, and
education and workforce development, all of which are
priorities for our communities.
To further its EJ commitment and under Board oversight,
Valero recently engaged an independent third-party,
Montrose Environmental, to conduct an audit of Valero’s
EJ programs, environmental impacts, and community
investments and engagements.
2022 Community Highlights
In 2022, Valero and the Valero
Energy Foundation generated
more than $68 million for charities
through employee and company
donations, corporate philanthropy,
fundraising and volunteerism.
$68 MILLION+ Total generated for
charities, including:
$4 MILLION Global employee giving
and employee volunteerism
$24 MILLION Corporate investments
in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Mexico
and Peru
$17 MILLION Support for United Way
agencies (U.S., Mexico and Peru)
$23 MILLION Valero Energy
Foundation investments
(Including net proceeds from major
fundraising events such as Valero Texas
Open & Benefit for Children)
117,500+ Volunteer hours globally
Valero’s Environmental Justice Policy Statement (adopted in 2009)
Valero strives to operate as a good neighbor and looks for opportunities to work with local officials and directly
with fence-line neighbors to improve the quality of life for its neighbors and communities.
Valero aims to treat its fence-line neighbors fairly, regardless of race, color, national origin, culture or income.
We work to ensure our neighbors have an opportunity to understand our proposed activities and to provide
them with meaningful opportunity to have their concerns heard, with the goal of providing them with greater
comfort of our operations.
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