Alejo Helps Free Millions to Aid Schools

Written by the Office of Luis Alejo:

Assembly Bill 120, authored by Assemblymember Luis Alejo (whose district includes Gilroy), to free millions of dollars in aid for school districts to clean up their leaking underground storage tanks today passed the Senate Environmental Quality Committee by a 9-0 vote.

"This bill cuts through the red tape that has held back funding for schools throughout California that are cleaning up leaking and abandoned underground storage tanks," said Alejo. "When I learned that we have over $14 million in unspent funds, I was committed to simplifying this program to see that the schools can safely remove these abandoned and potentially leaking underground tanks."

According to the State Water Resources Control Board database, there are about 700 schools with leaking underground storage tanks. Leaking tanks are a significant source of petroleum impacts to groundwater and pose potential threats to public health and safety. 

While the State has set aside more than $14 million to help school districts clean up leaking tanks, many districts are unable to access the funding due to insurmountable administrative hurdles. 

"I was pleased to see the unanimous and bipartisan support for AB 120 in committee today," Alejo said. "This is a testament to how we can work together to solve environmental problems that threaten the health and safety of children and our communities."

AB 120 is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

More information on these bills is available at Assemblymember Alejo’s website, http://www.asmdc.org/alejo or atwww.leginfo.ca.gov.