Avelar Bill to Clean Up Abandoned Gas Tanks and Protect Drinking Water Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Romeoville, is cleaning up abandoned gas tanks that can leak chemicals into our drinking water and hold back neighborhood development by passing legislation to promote the removal of abandoned, underground storage tanks containing fuel or hazardous chemicals. 

 

“Often, underground storage tanks left over from old and abandoned stations rot and leak hazardous chemicals into the soil and groundwater, presenting a real risk to public health,” said Avelar. “While negatively impactful for the environment, they’re unfortunately also expensive to remove. This legislation will help eliminate that barrier and foster a closer connection between our communities and the promise of a more sustainable future.” 

 

Avelar’s House Bill 5317 gives cities and towns the ability to step in, clean up these abandoned tanks, and get reimbursed for the cost. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will fund up to five cleanups a year, helping communities tackle sites that would otherwise sit polluted for decades to comply with the requirements of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program. 

 

Orphan tanks are underground storage tanks that do not have owners or operators and are considered abandoned. 

 

“Across Illinois, old gas stations and abandoned properties still have underground tanks with no owner responsible for cleaning them up, leaving communities stuck with pollution risks and stalled development,” said Avelar. “When tanks leak fuel and waste into our soil and groundwater, they contaminate local ecosystems, water supplies, and ultimately our drinking water. This legislation will help create cleaner neighborhoods, safer water, and transform abandoned properties into spaces that generate jobs and opportunity. It’s a meaningful step toward protecting our communities and future generations.”

 

This bill has passed out of the House unanimously and goes to the Senate for further consideration.