Petaluma, Calif., recently banned the construction of new gas stations within the city limits.
The city totals less than 15 square miles and has 16 gas stations. A new law caps the number of stations at 16, even if some go out of business, and prohibits existing facilities from adding additional pumps.
The ban comes as the number of gas stations nationwide is steadily declining, with big retailers such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and Safeway adding gas fueling services at their stores. Some smaller stations have gone out of business as a result, and when that happens it creates an environmental problem.
Defunct businesses cannot pay for the removal of underground fuel storage tanks and environmental remediation of leaks. That means the properties cannot be redeveloped until such remediation is performed.
California will ban new gas car sales in 2035, so Petaluma’s action may spark a trend in the Golden State.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
New OSHA rules to reduce fall and trip hazards
Employers can choose from a variety of fall protection systems.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
Seattle imposes new construction regulation to address rat problem
The city ranks first in U.S. in rat population.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Construction groups sue New York City over crane safety regulation
The rule bans cranes from operating when wind exceeds 30 mph.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Marines plan first net zero energy military base
The Albany, Ga., site will have ground source heat pumps and a biomass generator.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2016
Mahesh Ramanujam takes reins as U.S. Green Building Council President and CEO
Ramanujam brings his tech and business consulting background to the post.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2016
Canada GBC launching Zero Carbon Buildings Initiative
First step toward Zero Carbon Building Standard.
Codes and Standards | Nov 17, 2016
Santa Monica, Calif., passes historic net-zero ordinance
Includes more stringent commercial, multifamily building standards.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2016
Six more states approve legal marijuana, creating opportunities for developers
Federal prohibition complicates the picture.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2016
Los Angeles voters approve billions to tackle traffic and homelessness
The approved measures will create new rail lines and permanent housing.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2016
NRMCA updates environmental impacts of concrete
The EPD now includes 88 companies, 72 mixes.