A Colorado city is proposing to ban all new gas stations in a bid to fight climate change.
Louisville City Council’s proposed ordinance would cap the number of gasoline and automobile service stations as city officials say “gasoline is the primary driver of anthropogenic climate change.”
The number of existing or approved gas stations will be limited to six (the current number of stations), with an exception for one more if it is part of a new, large single-user retail center, according to the city council’s ordinance.
The law will also require 1,000-foot spacing of new gas stations from existing stations, installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for any expanded, modified, or new gas station, along with other requirements.
Additionally, gas station owners will be required to reapply for a permit if the service station sits vacant for more than one year.
“Banning or limiting new gasoline service stations is a growing trend for local municipalities due to health and environmental concerns with the continued use of gasoline powered vehicles and equipment,” city officials stated in the ordinance. “The proposal for a cap but not a full ban on new gasoline and automobile service stations is in recognition that there will continue to be some demand for gasoline and automobile service stations as more EVs enter the market and gasoline vehicles are transitioned out of the market over time.”
Officials say they want all of the city’s electricity to be provided from carbon-free sources by 2025. They also want 75 percent of the city’s residential and commercial electricity to be from carbon-free sources by 2030.
“We have an obligation to take every step possible to address the changes to our climate that are ravaging our planet and directly impacting the health, well-being and livelihoods of the constituents we represent in Louisville,” council member Maxine Most told Fox News.
“I don’t think any single action this council or community takes is going to fix climate change,” Most said during the vote, per New York Post. “But I think it’s a really good idea to decarbonize because it sends a signal and it sends a message.”
