February 2021 Gasoline Phaseout News

Marin County Community Protests Costco Mega Gas Station

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Residents are speaking out against a proposal for a new 28-pump Costco gas station in Novato, California. The mega-station would be the largest gas station in Marin County, requiring three underground storage tanks of 40,000 gallons each. Discounted gasoline is already available at a Safeway just a few miles away. 

Low-lying land puts the site at increased risk of flooding or sinking as sea levels rise. It is also located near the bay and a wetland preserve. Typical leaks and spills of gasoline during fueling at a gas station of this size can result in as much as 1,000 gallons of gasoline a year flowing into and polluting waterways.

Community and environmental groups including 350, Marin Conservation League, Sierra Club, Green Novato, Sustainable Novato, Cool the Earth, and the Coalition Opposing New Gas Stations (CONGAS) are calling the new gas station unnecessary and in direct opposition to the city’s November 2020 Climate Emergency declaration, which directed the city to elevate climate issues and mitigation when evaluating policies and planning.

The Novato Planning Commission voted in favor of approving the Use Permit and Design Review for the mega gas station.The Novato City Council is holding a hearing on the Costco gas station on March 9. You can sign a petition against the construction of the mega gas station here.