Millett bill to study the safety of petroleum storage tanks accepted by Legislative Council

AUGUSTA — On Friday, a bill from Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, was accepted by the Legislative Council. LR 2700, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Environmental Protection To Evaluate Emissions from Heated Aboveground Petroleum and Storage Tanks,” would require the Department of Environmental Protection to evaluate emissions from the petroleum storage tanks in South Portland.

“Since South Portland and the surrounding communities learned of a consent decree filed against Global LP in March of 2019, many concerns have been raised about the effects from the tanks on the nearby area,” said Sen. Millett. “This resolve would require DEP to study the emissions from the tanks, giving our community peace of mind and the information we need to ensure our communities are safe and healthy places.

During the first regular session, Sen. Millett introduced LD 1706, which was a critical first step in ensuring transparency in public health matters related to air quality. The bill was approved unanimously by the Legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Mills.

The bill will be considered in the coming legislative session, which begins Jan. 8, 2020.

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