SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura has introduced legislation to reduce harmful air pollution from large warehouse and freight facilities, increase transparency for surrounding communities and protect residents from pollution hot spots. The Warehouse Pollution Reduction Act would create a first-in-the-nation full state framework to track, reduce and mitigate air pollution tied to Illinois’ rapidly growing logistics and freight industry.

“As warehouses and freight hubs continue to expand across Illinois, too many communities are being left to deal with the health consequences of increased truck traffic and diesel pollution,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation creates stronger accountability, improves transparency and prioritizes the health of families, workers and children who live and work near these facilities.”

The transportation sector is a major contributor to air pollution in Illinois, producing emissions linked to asthma, heart disease and other serious health conditions. Warehouse developments often attract heavy truck traffic and freight activity, creating localized pollution hot spots that disproportionately impact lower-income communities and communities of color.

The Warehouse Pollution Reduction Act would establish a comprehensive review program requiring large warehouse and logistics facilities to meet emissions-reduction targets and comply with air quality standards, while requiring permits for new or expanded warehouses that ensure zero-emission infrastructure readiness and pollution mitigation planning.

The legislation increases transparency and public participation by creating a public registry with emissions data, operational reporting and permitting information, and directs the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to administer the program and conduct air-quality modeling to better identify localized pollution impacts.

The bill also protects sensitive locations by establishing buffer and distance requirements between warehouses and nearby homes, schools, parks, hospitals and other community facilities, encourages cleaner freight operations through incentives for electric trucks and charging infrastructure, and ensures mitigation fees are reinvested locally to improve air quality. Additionally, the legislation supports Illinois’ goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while promoting responsible economic development.

“Residents have the right to know how nearby facilities affect the air they breathe,” said Ventura. “This bill gives communities a stronger voice, supports cleaner transportation solutions and moves Illinois closer to our climate and public health goals.”

Senate Bill 3732 currently awaits Senate committee assignment.