HB 5559 is a bill that would establish a fee for all facilities in Illinois (8,000+) that are required to file the annual Tier 2 Chemical Inventory Form.  For IFCA members, this is all ag retailers, manufacturers, warehouses, propane locations and gasoline stations. 

 

The proposed fees will raise the current fee ($0) to up to $450 per facility.  Because many IFCA members store some extremely hazardous products, you would pay the highest level of fees.  The bill proposes to raise substantial revenue to provide a source of funding for emergency response planning programs and establish facility inspections.  IFCA certainly supports emergency response planning, but the grant money raised by this fee increase will be utilized to match federal dollars already available and made possible by the USDOT hazardous materials grant program.  IFCA members are already funding the federal program when you remit your annual hazmat registration fee to USDOT. 

HB 5559 would place significant fees on facilities that store chemicals to then also fund the state match for these federal grant monies. 

 

Last year, of the grants that were provided, only 44 of 102 Illinois Counties applied for the grants. Historically, less than 50% of counties apply for any grants.  The grants cannot be used to purchase any equipment.  IFCA feels that agricultural facilities will pay a disproportionate amount of the fees given that many of our emergency response groups are volunteer and many of these grant programs are focused on metropolitan areas where more citizens could be impacted if a chemical emergency occurs.  As far as inspections go, agrichemicals, fertilizers and fuels are already inspected regularly by multilple state agencies with jurisdiction, as well as by federal agencies. 

 

IFCA promotes local training of emergency responders and many of our members take of their own time and resources to provide training via facility walk-throughts and meetings, and support their local fire departments through monetary donations.  Many ag retail employees serve on local fire departments, and many retailers also have 40 hour HAZWOPER training to assure immediate response to any incidents at an agrichemical facility.  We believe that a local focus is the most effective and efficient use of resources for proper emergency planning. 

Also, there is no provision on the bill to protect the funds raised from being swept and used for other purposes. 

 

HB 5559 will be called for a vote in the House Environment Committee on Tuesday, March 25 at 4:00 pm.  It is imperative that you call your legislator if they are on the committee and ask them to vote NO on HB 5559 for the reasons stated above. Each of your facilities should make a call.  Even if your company is not represented by these legislators on the committee, contact the legislators closest to you.  If they are not available please identify yourself, your company, and tell their assistant to please pass the message on to the legislator.  Try to call before 2:00 pm if possible.  Please thank them for their time and support of Illinois agribusiness. 

 

Downstate Reps: 

Rep Brad Halbrook of Charleston (217) 782-1040

 

Rep Dwight Kay of Glen Carbon (217) 782-8018

 

Rep Charlie Meier of  Highland (217) 782-6401

 

Rep Bill Mitchell of Decatur (217) 782-8163

 

Rep Pat Verschoore of Rock Island (217) 782-5970

 

Rep Brandon Phelps of Harrisburg (217) 782-5131

 

Rep Naomi Jakobsson of Urbana (217) 782-1009

 

Rep Tom Morrison of Palatine (217) 782-8026

 

Rep Emily McAsey of Romeoville (217) 782-4179

 

Chicago/Suburban Reps: 

Rep Carol Sente of Lincolnshire (217) 782-0499

Rep Mike Tryon of Crystal Lake (217) 782-0432

Rep Robyn Gabel of Evanston (217) 782-8052

Rep Greg Harris of Chicago (217) 782-3835

Rep David McSweeney of Cary (217) 782-1517

Rep Elaine Nekritz of Buffalo Grove (217) 558-1004

Rep Mike Zalewski of Riverside (217) 782-5820

 

If you have questions please contact KJ Johnson or Jean Payne at IFCA.  Thank you!