October, 21 2014, 09:15am EDT
San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos to Introduce "Climate Change" Warning Labels for Gas Pump Handles at Board of Supervisor's Meeting
City joins Berkeley, CA, in advancing City Ordinance requiring gas retailers disclose dangers to purchasers of gasoline
WASHINGTON
October 21, 2014, Supervisor John Avalos' office will announce Tuesday that the San Francisco City Attorney's Office has signed off on legislation to require climate change warning labels on all city gas pump nozzles. The ordinance would amend the environment code to require service station operators to place labels on gas pump nozzles advising the public of the amount of carbon dioxide generated by burning a gallon of fuel.
The city-approved language for the labels is as follows:
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that a typical passenger vehicle burning one gallon of fuel produces on average almost 20 pounds of tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO2), which the EPA has determined is the primary greenhouse gas that is contributing to recent climate change. This is a message from the City and County of San Francisco. To learn about San Francisco's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, go to: www.sfclimate.org."
San Francisco could impose administrative fines for violations of the ordinance, according to draft language. Fines could be $100 for a first violation and up to $500 for a third or subsequent violation. The requirement would take effect on March 1, 2015. San Francisco and the City of Berkeley are now poised to become the first cities globally to disclose the dangers of greenhouse gases inherent in the consumption of gasoline.
Gas pump warning labels are the goal of the San Francisco Bay Area's "Beyond The Pump" campaign, supported by the regional climate advocacy group, 350 Bay Area.
350 is building a future that's just, prosperous, equitable and safe from the effects of the climate crisis. We're an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.
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