Providence could ban new gas stations in the city – The Boston Globe

The amendment would “prohibit the development of new gas stations within city limits, while prioritizing the development and installation of [electric vehicle] charging stations across Providence,” according to language released Wednesday evening. The original draft of the comprehensive plan only sought to “discourage” future gas stations.

Neither Goncalves nor other city staff were able to say precisely how many gas stations are licensed and operating in the city, but business listings on Google indicate it is somewhere in the ballpark of 40.

If approved, Providence’s last newly-constructed gas station would be the Neon Marketplace on Kinsley Avenue, which opened in 2022.

Goncalves said he was not aware of any other east coast cities that have banned new gas stations, but several have in California as part of a movement that is still small but growing among climate advocates. The first city to ban new gas pumps was Petaluma, Calif., in 2021, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“It’s important that we’re leading the way in reducing some of our carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner, greener energy future,” Goncalves told the Globe. “I think Providence can take the lead here.”

The city’s current goal is for municipal buildings and vehicles to be carbon neutral by 2040, with the entire city hitting that goal by 2050. Governor Dan McKee has sought to end the import of gas-powered cars for sale in Rhode Island by 2035.

The proposal would not close any existing gas stations, and business owners would be able to transfer gas station ownership to new owners, according to council staff. But new gas stations would be prohibited once the comprehensive plan is formalized in city zoning ordinance, which is expected to happen after the comprehensive plan — essentially a vision document — is passed.

“Existing stations will continue to serve our community, remaining a valuable resource,” Goncalves said. He acknowledged that the council has not done a market demand study to determine whether Providence has enough gas pumps.

In addition to climate goals, Goncalves said new gas stations should be prohibited so that available land can be used for housing. The council previously banned new self-storage facilities for a similar reason.

Mayor Brett Smiley did not immediately weigh in on whether new gas stations should be banned, but criticized the last-minute amendment by the council. Spokesperson Josh Estrella noted the new comprehensive plan is the “result of two years of meaningful community engagement and over 80 public meetings in every neighborhood,” which were attended by city councilors.

“Amendments passed at the eleventh hour disrespect the thoughtful and diligent process we went through to develop this plan with our community,” Estrella said. “The mayor will review and evaluate this amendment and every amendment introduced today with that same diligence.”

Smiley has the power to veto the plan if approved by the council, but the council can override a veto with a two-thirds majority.

The City Council is in the final weeks of vetting the overall comprehensive plan before it becomes official, and proposed several other amendments Wednesday. The council opted not to eliminate parking minimums — which require housing developments include a certain number of parking spots — citywide, a demand from some public transit advocates.

Instead, the proposal says the council will work on eliminating the parking minimums in certain zones of the city, which have not yet been disclosed. (The parking minimums already don’t apply to downtown or the I-195 redevelopment district.)

A final hearing for the public to testify before the Ordinance Committee is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. next Wednesday at City Hall.

Steph Machado can be reached at steph.machado@globe.com. Follow her @StephMachado.