Number: RS22502
Title: Brownfields in the 109th Congress
Authors: Mark Reisch, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Brownfields Act, which authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to award grants for the assessment and cleanup of sites that pose a less serious threat to human health and the environment than sites addressed by the Superfund program, expires on September 30, 2006. A reauthorization bill, H.R. 5810, was reported from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on July 28, 2006 (H.Rept. 109-608, Part 1), and now awaits action by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill would renew the authorization through FY2012 at the current level of $200 million annually. It also reauthorizes provisions that provide financial assistance for state and tribal cleanup programs at the current level of $50 million per year (for a total authorization of $250 million). Appropriations in the last four years have been between $165 million and $171 million. The Department of Housing and Urban Development also has a small Brownfields Program, which may be eliminated, and approximately 20 other agencies have programs or activities that foster cleanup and development.
Pages: 6
Date: September 8, 2006