Last Monday, 04.13.26, the Planning Commissioners unanimously approved and certified the FEIR and adopted a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
The majority, four of the Commissioners, voted to approve the design review and the use permit entitlements of the Costco Gas Station, with two out of six casting a dissenting vote.

Costco, with a large army of paid staff, exerted considerable pressure on the commissioners at the meeting.
Their lobbying made it easy to buy into their arguments that this gas station would be safe and highly beneficial for the city, businesses, and the community.
Costco claimed that they are serving the community and meeting the need for cheap gas. The two commissioners who voted against showed bravery!
Big money spoke loudly and clearly. Costco wants this Gas Station badly. On the positive side, Costco even agreed to install more than 20 EV charging stations.

To appeal the decision to the City Council, we have up to 10 days. Our local group, "No New Gas Novato is going to challenge the Planning Commission's decision.
Once filed, the City will review the record and the decision. It remains to be seen whether they will hold an "open" or "closed" appeal hearing, which determines whether new evidence and testimony are allowed. 
They usually allow for public comment and the submission of written statements. This will happen next month in May.

The City Council has absolute discretion to deny the permits and the final EIR. 
This is why I believe we can win at that stage; if we have strong arguments and can pack the room to put positive pressure on the Council, we can convince them to do the right thing and deny the project.

It is an important fight at this time and place. Are we able to push back and stop this new fossil fuel infrastructure?  
We need to keep asking our representatives to follow through on their commitment to the CAP and demand that they walk the talk.
Cooperation and governments are watching. 
Let's keep on organizing together because only EV's will set us free from the gas-rice roller coaster and end the very costly petroleum wars. Cheap gas isn't cheap, and we have plenty of gas stations.

Unfortunately, Costco's capitalist business model, in its drive to keep growing and expanding, is based on selling discounted gasoline. Costco's majority of mega gas stations are located in California.
They are now building their first and largest standalone gas station in Southern California. Since Costco is so successful, Walmart is considering doing the same. 

Let's keep on telling our government and corporations NO NEW GAS STATIONS!