RICHMOND, Calif. (AP) - In the wake of a massive fire at Chevron's Richmond refinery, two lawmakers are calling for a state hearing to explore government efforts to prevent future blazes.
The Contra Costa Times reports that two state lawmakers on Thursday said the hearing is needed to figure out if additional legislation is needed to improve public safety.
State Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, a Democrat from Berkeley, says that information that has emerged about the refinery fire shows that more public health protections are needed.
The blaze sent a huge plume of black smoke into the air, and sent thousands of people into local hospitals with health complaints.
The Aug. 6 fire was caused by a failure in a five-foot section of an old pipe; Chevron says it has stepped up inspections.
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