By Bob Katzen
The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would require retail companies that sell home heating oil to annually inform all their customers of the opportunity to purchase insurance for heating oil spills.
Current law requires that insurance companies make coverage available for owners but supporters of this bill say that while coverage is available, there are many documented cases of insurance companies
not making owners aware that the coverage is available. They said this often results in homeowners being unaware they do not have insurance coverage until after they experience a liquid fuel tank leak. They noted that the bill will provide an additional layer of customers being informed of the availability of the insurance.
Supporters said that some 100 homeowners experience an oil leak in Massachusetts every year. They noted that leaks can incur costly damage to the residence itself, but under Massachusetts law owners are responsible for environmental cleanup, which can rise to $100,000 or more, to dispose of contaminated soil and mitigate the spread in surrounding areas.
Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on why he filed the bill and how he feels about its initial approval.