GOVERNOR HOCHUL SIGNS SENATOR BIAGGI AND ASSEMBLYMEMBER SEPTIMO’S BILL TO REDUCE EMISSIONS OF AIR POLLUTANTS FROM PETROLEUM BULK STORAGE FACILITIES

ALBANY, NY – Yesterday, October 25th, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul signed S841A/A6177A, sponsored by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Amanda Septimo, to reduce emissions of air pollutants from petroleum bulk storage facilities across New York State. The often dark exterior paint colors of petroleum tanks increase the temperature of the tank's metal, further contributing to hazardous pollution. This legislation amends the environmental conservation law to require petroleum bulk storage facilities to paint their tanks white or beige/cream in order to reduce heat in petroleum bulk storage tanks and thus the evaporation loss of harmful pollutants. The bill shall take effect January 1st, 2024.

“Petroleum bulk storage facilities located near many low-income communities and communities of color have contributed to the decades of environmental injustice in the Bronx. As these communities experience disproportionate consequences of the climate crisis, we must urgently address the racial inequities caused by environmental policy failures head-on,” said Senator Alessandra Biaggi. “I introduced S841A to require facilities to paint their petroleum tanks in environmentally conscious light colors to ensure communities in the Bronx and across the State are no longer exposed to harmful pollutants from petroleum facilities. I want to extend my gratitude to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblymember Septimo and Governor Hochul for their partnership and commitment to addressing the climate crisis.”

"The Bronx has suffered an outsized burden of environmental injustice for too long. The signing of this bill into law is a crucial step in improving the health and quality of life of Bronx residents, and those across New York State. Thanks to the partnership of Senator Biaggi, Governor Hochul, and state leadership, we look forward to the lessening of dangerous emissions from petroleum facilities in our communities," said Assemblymember Amanda Septimo.   

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