UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 4 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP ( ) Check this box if no longer subject to Section 16. Form 4 or Form 5 obligations may continue. See Instructions 1(b). 1. Name and Address of Reporting Person Richardson, William B. One Valero Place San Antonio, TX 78212 USA 2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol Valero Energy Corporation VLO 3. IRS or Social Security Number of Reporting Person (Voluntary) 4. Statement for Month/Year March 2001 5. If Amendment, Date of Original (Month/Year) 6. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer (Check all applicable) (X) Director ( ) 10% Owner ( ) Officer (give title below) ( ) Other (specify below) 7. Individual or Joint/Group Filing (Check Applicable Line) (X) Form filed by One Reporting Person ( ) Form filed by More than One Reporting Person

Explanation of Responses: (1) The option vests in three equal annual installments beginning on March 15, 2002. SIGNATURE OF REPORTING PERSON J. Stephen Gilbert, Atty-in-Fact for William B. Richardson DATE April 9, 2001

VALERO ENERGY CORP/TX 4