![On Monday, members of the Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to approve changes to the city’s fossil fuel code.](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Large_Clark-County-Today-Vancouver-City-Hall-08.jpg)
The ordinance allows for existing fossil fuel facilities to be maintained and upgraded
VANCOUVER – On Monday, members of the Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to approve changes to the city’s fossil fuel code. The ordinance — which supports two of the city’s policy priorities, addressing climate change and equity — seeks to protect and enhance public health and safety, environment, and foster a transition to cleaner fuels in alignment with the city’s Climate Action goals.
“We’re concerned fossil fuel facilities pose a risk to the area’s health and safety,” said Chad Eiken, city community development director. “There are currently six bulk facilities that are susceptible to liquefaction and hazardous materials could potentially flow into the Columbia River, wetlands and other wildlife habitats in the case of a seismic event. These code changes are intended to reduce this risk and also minimize greenhouse gas emissions.”
Changes under the approved ordinance include:
- New bulk fossil fuel facilities, coal energy-generating facilities and solid fuel yards will be prohibited in all zoning districts
- Existing bulk fossil fuel facilities could be upgraded and maintained to ensure safe operations
- Cleaner fuels will be specifically defined to include a number of types of liquid or gaseous fuels produced from renewable sources or that have low or no emissions
- The capacity of existing bulk fossil fuel facilities could be expanded by 15% if switched to cleaner fuels, upgraded to seismic standards, and subject to approval of fire and spill response plans, among other requirements
- New cleaner fuel facilities of up to one million gallons capacity may be allowed by conditional use permit in the IH District in order to support the City’s Climate Action Strategy and a transition away from fossil fuels
“The environmental health impacts of fossil fuel facilities add disparate burdens on some communities in Vancouver,” said Dan Serres, Columbia Riverkeeper conservation director. “The proposed ordinance avoids worsening environmental health disparities already present in Vancouver and demonstrates and awareness of the difficulties these communities face.”
Approval of the fossil fuel code change ordinance does not apply to storage or use of petroleum for commercial sales or industrial processes, or maintenance or repair of existing facilities.
The ordinance allows for existing fossil fuel facilities to be maintained and upgraded; an allowed modest increase in capacity is intended to incentivize a conversion to cleaner fuel and upgrade to seismic standards. The ordinance takes effect Nov. 5.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
Also read:
- Harvest Days in Battle Ground coming up July 19-21The Battle Ground Festivals Association is preparing for three days of celebration, including a car cruise on Friday night, a parade on Saturday, and fireworks on Saturday night at Harvest Days.
- Organizers looking for cars for Cruise to the Shoug show on Aug. 454-40 Brewing Co. is hosting Cruise to the Shoug on Aug. 4 as a fundraiser for the Camas-Washougal Community Chest, and organizers are looking for car owners to book their spots for the show.
- Trump picks Ohio’s J.D. Vance for vice presidentFormer President Donald Trump picked U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, to serve as his vice president should Trump beat President Joe Biden this November for another term in the White House.
- Children with disabilities make memories at the 24th annual Merwin Day of FishingOn Saturday (July 13), Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife joined together to host a memorable fishing event for children with disabilities at the Merwin Fish Hatchery near Woodland.
- Letter: For the public record and the Comprehensive PlanIn a July 12 letter to the Clark County Council, Clark County Citizens United President Susan Rasmussen shares that primary stakeholders were ignored in the Wetland and Habitat Ordinance Conservation Covenant.
- CASE DISMISSED: Classified documents case against Trump thrown out by judgeA federal judge in Florida dismissed the classified documents-related criminal case against former President Donald Trump on Monday, saying the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith violated the Constitution.
- Photos: Log show and parade at Territorial Days 2024 in AmboyTerritorial Days in Amboy never disappoints, and this weekend brought all kinds of activities in logging country, and Clark County Today had a photographer there to capture images from the annual parade and log show.