Ethylene Oxide Legislation Discussed At Senate Hearing

WILLOWBROOK, IL — On Nov. 14, the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee met for a discussion on the current ethylene oxide emission crisis facing Willowbrook and surrounding communities. The hearing focused on two pieces of legislation introduced by State Senator John Curran.

“It’s encouraging to see the current public health issue facing area residents be given some much-needed attention from Senate lawmakers,” Curran said in a release. “Today’s committee hearing was a critical step in the process of bringing awareness to the sound concerns of area residents while also underscoring the need to pass substantive legislation to address some of the significant shortcomings identified throughout this process.”

According to the senator's office, Curran's Senate Bill 3640 aims to improve and protect air quality by denying renewed permits for companies found to be emitting ethylene oxide that exceed state and federal levels. This legislation also works to prohibit the use of all ethylene oxide in Illinois by 2022.

The second bill, Senate Bill 3630, would put in place stronger protections for residents and communication requirements in cases of a hazardous air emission leak.

“While I appreciate the Committee’s time and attention today, this is just the beginning of the process,” Curran said in a release. “We need to come together, recognize the significant danger and health risks of ethylene oxide and ensure we are passing the necessary legislation needed to prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again.”

Photo provided by Sen. Curran's office.