Senate Passes New Brownfields Legislation

Congress passed the year's biggest environmental bill, giving states up to $200 million a year to clean up 500,000 polluted industrial sites.

1 minute read

December 24, 2001, 4:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

The Senate unanimously passed brownfields legislation after the House passed the same bill at the end of a marathon, all night session. The Brownfields Reform and Small Business Liability Relief Act (HR 2869) will increase annual spending for the cleanup program from $92 million to $200 million. Current federal spending on brownfields is about $98 million ayear, so the new measure would more than double the funding available.The redevelopment of brownfields sites, approximately 450,000nationwide, is a critical smart growth tool that helps to revitalizecommunities and alleviate pressure to develop farmland and open space.

Thanks to Sprawl Watch Clearinghouse

Read the full story: Congress Passes Environmental Bill

Friday, December 21, 2001 in Associated Press

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