The King County Council passed an ordinance Monday evening that puts a six-month moratorium on new fossil fuel infrastructure, an early-year victory for Cascadia’s proponents of renewable energy and climate action.
BACKGROUND: King County Poised to Lock Out Fossil Fuels
The measure, introduced by Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, can’t prohibit federally-regulated pipelines or rail lines but its aim is to update zoning and permitting to prevent new fossil fuel storage, processing, or compressor facilities, according to reporting by the Seattle Times.
The decision is a solid step toward pushing King County to rely on renewable energy. More than 100 people (including Sightline Programs Director Eric de Place) signed up to testify before the panel, according to tweets by 350 Seattle.
“We can point to particulars of oil and gas transport in the Northwest,” de Place said during the meeting. “Fossil fuels carry with them major risks.”
Our own @alecconnon: “For me, it’s about life…..according to WHO, 140k people a year are already dying from climate change…Climate change should not be a political issue, it’s a human rights issue.” #FossilFreeKC
— 350 Seattle (@350_Seattle) January 28, 2019
Cecile Gemez of @SierraClubSEA points out that the #FossilFreeKC might kill the Kalama Methanol plant, thus helping people statewide. @Eric_deP of @Sightline: “We can point to particulars of oil & gas transport in the NW; fossil fuels carry with them major risks.”
— 350 Seattle (@350_Seattle) January 28, 2019
Kids testifying in favor of #FossilFreeKC ordinance: “200 species go extinct every year because of us. And when I say us I mean you, politicians who refuse to take meaningful climate action.” pic.twitter.com/SFlCkUB2AO
— Thomas Meyer (@ThomasMeyer24) January 28, 2019
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I think the county should immediately stop allowing any gas stations.
This could be done by not permitting new stations and not renewing business licenses for existing ones.