Mar
13
An important funding mechanism for underground storage tank clean-ups in Massachusetts is in jeopardy and your assistance is needed.
The Massachusetts Underground Storage Tank (UST) Petroleum Product Cleanup Fund (commonly referred to as the 21J Fund) was created in 1991 to prevent the need for environmental cleanup actions through encouraging UST maintenance and compliance, and to expedite environmental cleanup actions by providing partial reimbursement to owners or operators of UST systems for costs, expenses and other obligations incurred as a result of releases of petroleum products from UST systems.
Due to a current state budget deficit, the fund was reduced in 2017 and now, an approximate $6 million deficit in unpaid claims (claims processed and approved but unable to be paid) is projected for the end of FY 2017. To further compound this problem, the Governor's FY 2018 budget recommendation only includes $6 million for the 21J Fund. This would only be enough to fund the projected FY 2017 deficit.
How You Can Help: Please, reach out to your state senator and state representative to let them know the importance of providing adequate and predictable funding for the UST Cleanup Fund. You can identify your legislator using this link.
Click here to learn more.
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