HR0639 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0639 LRB095 12842 CMK 38307 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Toxic chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), have historically been used in applications, including as a lubricant and sealant in natural gas systems, and may currently pose a public health risk; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified that PCBs are probable cancer-causing substances, and the U.S. banned the manufacture of PCBs in 1977 due to associated health risks; and

WHEREAS, Federal law currently does not require immediate reporting when a natural gas company identifies the existence of PCB contamination below certain thresholds; and

WHEREAS, In Park Ridge, PCBs were found in 2 homes in February and another home in May before the contamination was reported to the U.S. EPA in June; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we support immediate government and public notification upon the detection of toxic chemicals and related contamination; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the United States Congress to review and revise the United States Environmental Protection Agency's requirements for the reporting of contamination of toxic chemicals, including contamination associated with PCBs used to lubricate and seal natural gas systems, in order to maximize the public's health and safety; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Douglas P. Scott, the director of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Stephen L. Johnson, and each member of the Illinois Congressional delegation to the United States Congress.