Ban new coal and petroleum coke storage facilities and phase out existing ones

Why This Vote Matters

Richmond moved closer to banning new coal and petroleum coke storage facilities and phasing out existing ones, with the ordinance passing its first reading with broad support in a 5-1 vote. Councilmember Nathaniel Bates was the sole dissenter, while Demnlus Johnson III was absent. The proposal would prohibit companies from opening new storage sites for these fossil fuel materials within city limits and require existing facilities to eventually cease these operations. The ordinance now advances to its second reading on January 21, 2020, where it will need another vote to become law.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.