This US city has banned the construction of new gas stations due to the increase in electric vehicles

At least two electric vehicle chargers must be installed at every new gas stations that are constructed. A US city has decided to prohibit the opening of new gas stations due to politicians’ “obligation” to address climate change. 

There are currently five stations in Lousiville, Colorado, a town of about 21,000 inhabitants close to Denver. Although a sixth was just authorized, it might be the city’s final one. 

As per the latest municipal legislation, it may be inferred that prohibiting gasoline stations could potentially encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) which would lower vehicle emissions and promote the use of cleaner, low-carbon energy choices for transportation. 

It goes on to say that the reason a cap on gas stations rather than a complete ban is being considered is that demand will persist as more electric vehicles are gradually introduced. 

According to the law, all new gas stations that are given a waiver from the prohibition or those that undergo modifications must also install two electric vehicle chargers. Additionally, they must be separated from current ones by at least 1000 feet, or little over 300 meters. 

The building of new gas stations was prohibited until September 2023 by an emergency moratorium that was enacted by Louisville’s City Council last year. The idea to regulate the number of buildings that can be constructed has now been adopted by city council members. 

In what other places are brand-new gas stations prohibited? 

Petaluma, Santa Rosa in Sonoma County, California, is the first American community to forbid the construction of new gas stations in 2021. Approximately 60% of the journeys undertaken by the locals involve fewer than 8 kilometers over primarily level terrain. 

Los Angeles, the largest city in the state, is considering legislation along similar lines, and other Californian cities have followed suit. Local authorities in New York and other US states want to follow suit. 

Similar measures to stop construction are also being considered in several areas of British Columbia, Canada. 

The movement is expanding as more municipal and national governments explore outlawing gasoline and diesel vehicles in the future. Constructing new forecourts for vehicles powered by fossil fuels would contradict professional advice on the energy transition and convey a mixed message to the local population. 

Based on a study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group, up to 80% of the 150,000 gas stations in the US may not be profitable by 2035. This is partly because more people are driving electric automobiles instead of ones that run on fossil fuels. 

Source: Public research