Illinois natural gas alarm legislation could make it to floor for vote by May, state legislators say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The I-Team provided an update Tuesday on legislation that would mandate natural gas detectors in some buildings.

The I-Team first reported on the problem of rising natural gas explosions and the dangers last May.

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Investigators say a gas leak may have caused a recent home explosion in Oswego, in which two people died and they had to stop the gas supply to the home.

Last year, the I-Team said there have been reports of at least 24 natural gas explosions since 2020.

Natural gas alarms are used in addition to carbon monoxide alarms because they detect different gases with distinct dangers. Even though natural gas has an odor, because of an additive, you may not always smell it.

State Sen. Craig Wilcox, who represents McHenry and Lake County residents, introduced legislation that would mandate the installation of natural gas detectors in some buildings.

"It's an acknowledgement that just the 'rotten egg' odor of natural gas often is not enough to alert residents or prevent explosions, and a natural gas detector to determine when there's a gas leak in the home is required," said Wilcox, who represents the 32nd District.

The proposed mandate would apply to certain buildings with gas fueled appliances, like residential buildings with a significant number of tenants and commercial buildings.

Legislators say the bill will go into a committee by March, and should make it to the floor for a vote by May.