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.”

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