SR-11-25-2014-13CCITY CLERK'S OFFICE - MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Councilmember McKeown
Date: November 25, 2014
13 -C: Request of Councilmember McKeown that Council direct staff to explore an
ordinance requiring the labeling of retail petroleum fuel pumps with a
message explaining the connection between fossil fuel consumption and
climate change, and return to Council with recommendations, which may
include a draft ordinance and an evaluation of legal risk, if any.
November 25, 2014
Berkeley Approves Plan For Global Warming Labels On Gas Pumps , CBS San Francisco
11/20/14, 9:36 PM
Berkeley Approves Plan For Global Warming Labels On
Gas Pumps
Berkeley has approved a plan to place global warning labels on gas pumps. (350 Bay Area)
BERKELEY (CBS SF) — The city of Berkeley has long had a history of being
environmental- friendly and now, drivers will be able to see it at the gas pump.
Late Tuesday night, by a 7 -2 vote, the City Council approved a recommendation
requesting that the City Manager draft an ordinance to require climate change labels at
fuel dispensing facilities, in compliance with applicable laws. The draft will be reviewed
by the Community Environmental Advisory Commission and Energy Commission.
The program is believed to be the first in the nation to address global warning at the gas
pump and is expected to be rolled out early in 2015. San Francisco is also drafting a
similar ordinance which could be voted on early next year.
The idea was developed by 35o Bay Area, the local chapter of a national advocacy group
fighting against climate change, and is now part of its "Beyond the Pump" campaign.
http : / /sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/ 2014 /11 /19 / berkeley- approves -plan- for - global - warming- labels -on- gas - pumps - climate - change/ Page 1 of 2
Berkeley Approves Plan For Global Warming Labels On Gas Pumps a CBS San Francisco
11/20/14, 9:36 PM
The group said the campaign is designed around both education and solutions, as they
are aiming to inform consumers about the dangers of burning gasoline. Among the
solutions — telling drivers to keep their cars maintained and tires fully pumped, driving
slower on the freeway, commuting to work one day per week using carpool, bus transit,
walking or biking, and consolidating errands.
In a letter to city officials, The Western States Petroleum Association, an oil- industry
lobbying group, said the proposal directly violates the First Amendment "by forcing
businesses to advance the State of California's policy position that global warming
caused by greenhouse gases poses a serious threat to the economic well- being, public
health, natural resources, and the environment of California."
The labels are part of a larger voter - approved city plan to reduce emissions by 33
percent between 2000 and 2020.
• Elite Special Force At Moffett Field Counted On For High - Stakes Rescues
• Crime - Fighting Robots Go On Patrol In Silicon Valley
• Uber Crunches User Data To Determine Where The Most `One -Night Stands'
Come From
• Berkeley Could Soon Add Global Warming Labels To Gas Pumps
• Uber Exec Suggests Revenge Plan Against Journalists; Internet BacIdash Goes Viral
• Generous Strangers Help Bay Area Teen With Cancer Cross Items Off Bucket List
http : / /sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/ 2014 /11 /19 / berkeley- approves -plan- for - global- warming - labels -on- gas - pumps - climate - change/ Page 2 oft