The Briefing Room
General Category => Science, Technology and Knowledge => Energy => Topic started by: Fishrrman on March 04, 2021, 05:44:54 pm
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https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Petaluma-bans-all-new-gas-station-in-push-to-curb-15994840.php
Petaluma bans all new gas stations in push to curb emissions
March 2, 2021
Vanessa Arred
Petaluma has become what officials said is the first city in the country to permanently ban the construction of new gas stations, a move intended to signal a faster transition to zero-emission vehicles ahead of California’s sweeping efforts to curtail climate change.
The Petaluma City Council voted unanimously Monday to prohibit the creation, expansion, reconstruction and relocation of gas stations, encouraging owners to transition to stations that serve electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Petaluma hopes to become carbon neutral by 2030.
“We need to do our part to help mitigate and adapt to our changing weather patterns that exist because of all the carbon we put in the atmosphere,†Councilwoman D’lynda Fischer, who spearheaded the initiative, said Tuesday.
“I hope other cities will follow suit and if they have existing fossil fuel stations that satisfy the needs of their community, they too will decide that they don’t need any more.â€
Petaluma currently has 16 gas stations, with one more that’s expected to be built as part of a Safeway. .
The legislation has been in the works for years. It began as a a two-year moratorium on gas station construction after local residents complained about a plan to build a Safeway station across the street from an elementary school and daycare.
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Petaluma currently has zero hydrogen stations.
The hydrogen fuel celled Honda Clarity starts out at $60k, and unlike battery-powered cars, has a heat source. But with no stations available to refuel, Petaluma residents will most likely stick with gasoline. Hydrogen fuel stations are also a hefty emitter of CO2.
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Gasoline prices in Petaluma are going to increase. Government restrictions upon development just increase the value of exisiting assets by restricting supply.