From helping Laotian refugees to fighting Chevron: How APEN became a Richmond environmental powerhouse
The Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), founded in Richmond three decades ago, has grown into a formidable three-office organization with 40 staff and nearly 1,000 members. APEN has achieved significant victories against Chevron, including a $550 million settlement for Richmond in 2024, and has been instrumental in advocating for environmental justice for historically marginalized communities like Laotian refugees. With new co-director Michelle Chan, APEN is now focusing on helping Richmond transition to a cleaner economy by collaborating with city leaders to wisely spend settlement funds and develop contingency plans for the eventual closure of fossil fuel refineries.
https://richmondside.org/2026/05/18/richmond-environmental-powerhouse-apen/