Leonard Smith sees a future where Manteca leaders may one day restrict drive thru lanes for fast food places like Chik-fil-A, coffee stops such as Dutch Bros., and banks to those driving electrical vehicles or hybrids.

Leonard Smith sees a future where Manteca leaders may one day restrict drive thru lanes for fast food places like Chik-fil-A, coffee stops such as Dutch Bros., and banks to those driving electrical vehicles or hybrids.

Smith also believes the city should phase out all gas powered commercial and residential landscape equipment as well as harness Manteca’s growing proliferation of gas stations as a beachhead of sorts in implementing the city’s proposed climate change plan update.

 “Gas stations are currently a major distribution point for fossil fuel,” Smith said in the only public comment received on the mandated climate change update that will impact all 95,000 residents as well as businesses. “Contributing significantly to transportation related emissions, However their widespread presence and infrastructure offer a unique opportunity to support the City's climate goals through targeted intervention.”

The proposed update will go before the Manteca Planning Commission on Thursday, Oct. 16, when  they meet at the Civic Center council chambers, 1001 W. Center St., at 6 p.m.

Smith is a former planning commissioner and served on the citizens advisor committee for the climate update plan.

City staff determined Smith’s comment is informational only and does not present new or substantial evidence of significant environmental impacts that were not previously considered in the update.

Staff, in a report to the planning commission, noted Smith’s comment does not raise any new issues or increase the severity of previously identified impacts. Also, staff is insistent new mitigation measures or project revision are necessary to reduce any impacts to a less-than- significant level.

Several citizens advisory committee members have commented over the long review process that their input was simply to verify consultant conclusions and state mandates as opposed to offering any genuine input. That said, it basically reflects what committee members were told their roles would be.

Driving Smith’s drive-thru lane restrictions are the fact idling gas-powered vehicles are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions while EVs and hybrids create less issues when idling.

Smith’s proposal for drive-thru lanes includes:

*designating EV/Hybrid drive through lanes to position Manteca as an innovator, especially if paired with public education and infrastructure up grades.

*requiring new commercial development with drive through to include EV/Hybrids only lanes.

*retrofitting existing lanes where feasible, prioritizing high traffic areas.

*clear signage indicating lane restrictions.

*voluntary compliance initially, with potential for future enforcement.

*offering tax incentives or expediting permitting for business that implement EV /hybrid only lanes.

*promoting participating business through City sustainability campaigns.

*allowing exceptions for ADA accessible vehicles regardless of power train.

Gas stations

Among Smith’s suggestions for city to pursue regarding gas stations includes:

*partnering with station owners to install level 2 and DC fast chargers.

*prioritizing stations near highways and high traffic corridors for EV conversion.

*offering grants or tax incentives for early adopters.

*encouraging bio fuels, renewable diesel and hydrogen.

*supporting pilot programs for solar powered canape systems to reduce grid dependency.

*promoting battery storage systems for energy resilience.

*using stations for public outreach on sustainable transportation.

*displaying real time emissions data and climate tips via digital signage.

*launching "green station" certifications to recognize climate forward business. Convert decommissioned station into community solar gardens, or green spaces,

While the state essentially has forced the phase out of fossil fueled yard care equipment used by homeowners by banning their sale, banning their use for commercial properties would take Manteca beyond the California restriction.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com