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SB 3245

EPA-AIR POLLUTION SETBACKS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Laura Ellman

Illinois would impose EPA-based air pollution setback distances from sensitive receptors to reduce exposure from facilities and require compliance with defined penalties.

Referred to Assignments
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3245

Bill Overview

SB 3245, introduced in the Illinois 104th General Assembly, is titled “EPA-AIR POLLUTION SETBACKS.” The bill was filed with the Secretary on February 3, 2026, and immediately referred to Assignments. Senator Laura Ellman is the sponsor, with a co-sponsor noted.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill appears to address air pollution-related setback requirements, aligning or incorporating standards associated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) into Illinois law.
  • The aim is to establish or modify minimum setback distances or protective measures to reduce exposure to air pollutants, particularly near sources such as industrial facilities, highways, or other emission points.

Key Provisions (as described by title and typical structure of setback-related legislation)

  • Establishment or revision of setback distances: The bill would define specific minimum distances that certain facilities or activities must maintain from sensitive receptors (e.g., schools, homes, hospitals) or property boundaries to mitigate air pollution exposure.
  • Incorporation of EPA standards: The measure would reference EPA guidelines, rules, or permissible exposure limits as the basis for setback calculations or compliance criteria.
  • Compliance requirements: Facilities subject to the setback rules would need to assess, document, and demonstrate adherence through plans, permits, or periodic reporting.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Provisions likely include penalties or corrective actions for violations of setback requirements, along with enforcement mechanisms by state regulatory agencies.
  • Exemptions and exceptions: The bill could list particular facilities, processes, or circumstances that are exempt from the setback requirements or where variances may be granted under defined criteria.
  • Effective date: The bill would specify when the setback requirements take effect and whether there is a phase-in period for affected facilities.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Industrial facilities and polluting sources proposed to be regulated by setback distances.
  • Property developers and landowners near potential emission sources seeking to understand land-use implications.
  • Local governments implementing zoning and permitting decisions that interact with air pollution setbacks.
  • State environmental regulatory agencies responsible for permit issuance, compliance, and enforcement.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Filed and referred to Assignments (as of the provided date).
  • Next steps typically include committee assignments, public hearings, potential amendments, and passage by the Senate and House before reaching the Governor for signature.
  • If enacted, the bill would include an implementation timeline (e.g., effective date, phase-in periods) and any required rulemaking or guidance to operationalize the setback standards.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public health and safety: By increasing setbacks, communities—especially near industrial zones or major transportation corridors—could experience reduced exposure to air pollutants.
  • Economic impact: Facilities subject to new setbacks may face costs related to relocation, redesign, zoning adjustments, or permitting changes.
  • Local planning: Municipalities may need to adjust land-use plans, buffers, and zoning maps to accommodate the new standards.
  • Legal considerations: The bill could interact with existing state environmental laws and EPA rules, potentially creating a need for harmonization or state-specific modifications.

Note: The summary above reflects the bill’s stated title, sponsorship, and basic procedural status. The exact statutory text would be necessary to provide precise setback distances, specific pollutants covered, exemption criteria, and enforcement mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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