Number: RL30972
Title: The Brownfields Program Authorization: Cleanup of Contaminated Sites
Authors: Mark Reisch, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Brownfields program to assist in cleaning up less seriously contaminate sites has been popular since its inception in 1993, and has been funded by Congress at about $91 million for the past 3 years. On April 25, 2001, the Senate unanimously passed S. 350, a bill which would provide the statutory authority the program currently lacks, would limit Superfund liability for certain parties, and would restrict the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) authority to intervene at sites cleaned up under state jurisdiction. This report provides background on the issue (including state voluntary cleanup programs), surveys EPA's current program, and reviews congressional action, including a description of S. 350.
Pages: 15
Date: Updated January 27, 2002