HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2021-169 N.C.S. 10/18/2021 DocuSign Envelope ID:A88F8BC3-3140-4BC8-9B41-D8FOABCC550B
Resolution No. 2021-169 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA
RESOLUTION OPPOSING COAL TRANSPORT BY RAIL THROUGH THE CITY OF
PETALUMA
WHEREAS, the North Coast Railroad Company, LLC, based in Wyoming has submitted
paperwork to the federal Surface Transportation Board objecting to the Railbanking for the Great
Redwood Trail with the intent to purchase the railroad; and
WHEREAS, it has been widely reported that North Coast Railroad Company, LLC, is
intending to use the railroad to transport coal, which is mined in other states, across the state of
California through Sonoma, Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt counties to the Port of Humboldt
Bay; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a Climate Emergency Framework on January 11,
2021, which set a carbon neutrality goal for 2030 and goals to eliminate greenhouse gas
emissions related to transportation and building energy use; and
WHEREAS, coal combustion is a significant contributor to climate change and resulting
extreme weather events; and
WHEREAS, millions of tons of coal loaded into tens of thousands of train cars would
regularly add to traffic congestion within the City of Petaluma as the railway bisects the City and
most of the crosstown connector roadways; and
WHEREAS, adoption of this Resolution is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act under the "common sense" exception in CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as it
can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a
significant effect on the environment.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Petaluma
that the City of Petaluma as follows:
SECTION 1. Finds the above recitals to be true and correct and are incorporated herein as
findings of this Resolution.
SECTION 2. That the City Council of the City of Petaluma hereby notifies the Surface
Transportation Board of its strong opposition to the North Coast Railroad Company, LLC's
application.
Resolution No. 2021-169 N.C.S.
1
DocuSign Envelope ID:A88F8BC3-3140-4BC8-9B41-D8FOABCC550B
SECTION 3. That the City Council of the City of Petaluma encourages the Surface
Transportation Board to grant the request of the North Coast Railroad Authority and/or Great
Redwood Trail Agency to railbank its rail line from Willits to Humboldt Bay
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Approved as to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 18'day of October Docusigned by: form:
2021,by the following vote: a'�
5
City Attorney
AYES: Mayor Barrett;Barnacle,Fischer;Healy,King,McDonnell,Pocekay
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
DocuSigned by: DocuSigned,¢b.,y:
ATTEST: fit.V sx ba.V Y LI I
s � aasz... Mayor
Resolution No. 2021-169 N.C.S.
2