Pinole Introduces Permanent Gas Station Ban, Revamps Rental Inspections

Pinole's City Council advanced two landmark policy moves at its March 3 meeting — unanimously introducing an ordinance to permanently ban new fossil fuel gas stations and approving a modernized rental inspection program that uncovered nearly 500 suspected unlicensed rental properties. Meanwhile, a wave of residents flooded the meeting to oppose the elected mayor ballot measure heading to voters in June.

• Permanent gas station ban introduced 5-0, creating a regulatory pathway for EV, hydrogen, and biofuel stations; second reading set for March 17

• Revamped rental inspection program approved 5-0, adding a full-time inspector, digital enrollment platform, and sustainability tracking — all at full cost recovery

• Residents overwhelm public comment to oppose the elected mayor ballot measure, reading dozens of constituent emails into the record

• Council directs staff to engage trucking companies about oversized vehicles shaking homes along San Pablo Avenue at night

• MCE to cut electricity generation rates 14% and add $10 million in bill credits for low-income households, effective April 1

• Council unanimously approves future agenda items on cultural conservation easements for Native American sacred sites and a revival of the city's strategic plan

The basics: The council voted 5-0 to waive first reading and introduce an ordinance permanently prohibiting new fossil fuel gas stations citywide, replacing an emergency moratorium set to expire March 22. The ordinance stems from Pinole's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan adopted in August 2024. Second reading is scheduled for March 17.