The Editor,
Re. “Labels for PoMo gas pumps” (The Tri-City News, March 18).
It is quite surprising that the first Chevron is learning of the city of Port Moody’s consideration of climate change warning labels on gas pump nozzles is through the media.
Chevron has not been consulted on this issue whatsoever. This is a disappointing approach to governance by some Port Moody city councillors. It is reassuring to see that Mayor Mike Clay and councillors Diana Dilworth and Meghan Lahti present far more reasoned perspectives in regards to this proposal.
It is certain that Chevron has no intention of installing nozzle toppers. As The Tri-City News story points out, Chevron does not have that style of handle at our retail stations. There are also very practical safety, operational and maintenance concerns with this type of proposal that have not been considered by its proponents.
Chevron has no intention of covering the cost of a city bylaw that would only guilt its own residents for using their primary mode of transport.
Perhaps realistic and meaningful climate change mitigation solutions for Port Moody residents — such as increased public transit — would be the common sense approach?
Adrien Byrne, Chevron
ATTRACT BIZ TO PM
The Editor,
So, let’s say I own a gas station in Port Moody and I refuse to apply the gas pump labels four of our city councillors want to prescribe in order to save the world from climate change. What is the worst penalty the city can impose upon me? Jail time? Fines to replace the $10,000 in tax dollars that, by the mayor’s estimate, four councillors have cost taxpayers so far in staff time, legal fees, etc.?
I’m unaware that the city has the power to do either of those. It could, perhaps, cancel, my business licence and force me out of business, undoubtedly bringing about a lawsuit and delivering a strong message to businesses to stay out of Port Moody.
Encouraging businesses to locate here would do much more for climate change by seeing jobs created in the community so residents wouldn’t have to burn fossil fuels to get to and from work in other communities more friendly to business. Councillors Rick Glumac, Barbara Junker, Zoe Royer and Rob Vagramov need to give their heads a shake before this nonsense gets to a regular council meeting.
Whatever you think about climate change, our society can’t be totally weaned from fossil fuels overnight and no amount of stickers is going to advance us any distance towards real solutions.
Jim Peacock, Port Moody
