Novato Greenlights Costco Gas Station

NOVATO, CA — The Novato City Council on Tuesday approved a proposed Costco gas station amid vocal opposition from environmentalists.

The council voted 4-1 in favor of the controversial 14-pump fueling station.

The gas station is expected to bring revenue the cash-strapped North Bay city desperately needs.

Novato faces a $2.5 million deficit, The Marin Independent Journal reports.

Costco sweetened the deal for the city, adding 10 rapid-charging Level 3 EV chargers to the proposal.

The proposal faced organized opposition, with opponents of the project expressing concerns the Costco gas station imperils local wetlands due to risk of fuel leaks and will lead to an increase fossil fuel usage.

Councilmember Amy Peele was the lone dissenter.

“This is not an easy issue, but I think given all aspects of it I think it’s a good decision we’re going to be working to get more cleaner energy in Novato in the future,” Novato Mayor Pat Eklund said.

Former Novato Mayor Susan Stompe blasted the proposal.

“This facility would counteract every climate sensitive document this council has passed in the last year,” Stompe said.

“It will tarnish the credibility of every councilmember who votes for it, and it will make Novato the object of ridicule of environmental organizations everywhere.”