Iowa House Bill HF2646

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the use of certain moneys in the storage tank management account of the groundwater protection fund, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2588, HSB 699.)

Impact

HF2646 delineates the specific uses for the transferred funds, including reimbursements to tank owners for costs incurred during corrective actions for petroleum releases. It allocates a minimum of three million dollars for the permanent closure of underground storage tank systems, training for tank operators, and additional assessments arising from previously identified leaky sites. By ensuring targeted use of these funds, the bill seeks to bolster state efforts in safeguarding groundwater and maintaining environmental integrity.

Summary

House File 2646 aims to amend existing laws concerning the management of funds intended for groundwater protection, specifically focusing on the storage tank management account. The bill transfers all unencumbered and unobligated funds from the Iowa comprehensive petroleum underground storage tank fund to the storage tank management account within the groundwater protection fund. This transfer is intended to ensure that funds are available for necessary environmental and public health protective measures related to underground storage tanks, especially those involved in petroleum handling and storage.

Contention

While the bill garners support from those prioritizing environmental protection and public health, it may raise points of contention among stakeholders involved in the petroleum industry. Some operators may view the financial responsibilities imposed by the bill as burdensome, especially if the requirement for reimbursing corrective actions becomes an impediment to business operations. Furthermore, the proposed repeal of the Iowa comprehensive petroleum underground storage tank fund board by December 31, 2025, could be contentious, as it marks a significant restructuring of management and oversight within the system.