January 2, 2002—On December 20, Congress approved a landmark environmental bill that will provide $200 million for brownfields cleanup. HR 2869 also contains a small firm superfund liability exemption that will protect small businesses from paying penalties associated with polluting Superfund sites.
EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said the new legislation will make the cleanup of brownfields a more effective and cooperative effort. “Revitalization of brownfields and new investment in our cities is essential. The passage of brownfields legislation by Congress will considerably enhance our efforts on those fronts. Returning abandoned industrial sites to productive use can create jobs in areas where they are very much needed and also will improve the tax base of many communities,” said Whitman. “The passage of this legislation has been a top environmental priority for the administration and I look forward to continuing to work with Congress on the important issues that face us.” For more information, contact the House of Representatives.
