Sacramento, California, is the latest city that has proposed banning new traditional gas stations as well as upgrading existing stations except for the addition of electric-vehicle (EV) charging, under the recently issued 2040 Sacramento General Plan.
The plan, as first reported by OPIS, calls for “future-ready” gas stations: “The city shall prohibit the establishment of new gas stations or the expansion of new fossil fuel infrastructure at existing gas stations unless the project proponent provides 50kW or greater direct current fast charger (DCFC) electric-vehicle charging stations on site at a ratio of at least one new charging station per one new gas fuel nozzle.”
It also calls for establishing “requirements for electric-vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in new and expanded gas stations citywide.”
Other California cities that have passed gas station bans or moratoriums include Petaluma, Calistoga, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Cotati, Santa Rosa, Novato, Windsor, American Canyon, San Anselmo, Fairfax and Yountville, the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance (CFCA) told CSP. Cities with pending bans include Angels Camp and Los Angeles.
Elsewhere, Louisville, Colorado, passed an ordinance to limit the number of new gas stations, and Memphis, Tennessee, also enacted a moratorium.
In a statement provided to CSP, the CFCA said “it is disheartening to see yet another city consider a regressive policy that disproportionately harms small, minority businesses and consumers the most. Gas station bans threaten local economies with increased job loss, decreased tax revenue and will only lead to more pain at the pump for consumers. Empowering businesses, promoting competition and considering the diverse economic landscapes within a community are vital elements in shaping a resilient future for the fuel and convenience industry.”
The group sent a letter of opposition to the city of Sacramento concerning the ban.
The association represents approximately 300 members, including most of the Golden State’s independent petroleum marketers and more than one half of its 12,000 convenience-store retailers.
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