[CPEO-BIF] BIPARTISAN COALITION UNVEILS BROWNFIELDS LEGISLATION TODAY

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

http://chafee.senate.gov/06080001.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 8, 2000
CONTACTS: Jeff Neal (Chafee) 202/224-2921; Retha Sherrod (Lautenberg)
202/224-5885; Steve Bentfield (Smith) 202/224-6176; Mike Siegal (Baucus)
202/224-2651 

BIPARTISAN COALITION UNVEILS BROWNFIELDS LEGISLATION TODAY

Bill Addresses Brownfields Liability, Finality, and Remediation Funding

WASHINGTON, DC -- A bipartisan coalition of U.S. Senators today unveiled
brownfields reform legislation at a Capitol Hill press conference. 

U.S. Senators Lincoln D. Chafee (R-RI), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Robert
Smith (R-NH), and Max Baucus (D-MT) announced introduction of legislation
aimed at reducing the many legal and regulatory barriers that now stand in
the way of brownfields redevelopment, while providing much needed cleanup
funds. The sponsors said of the bill: 

"We stand to reap enormous economic, environmental, and social benefits
with the successful redevelopment of brownfield sites," Senator Chafee
said. "The redevelopment of brownfields capitalizes on existing
infrastructure, creates a robust tax base for local governments, attracts
new businesses and jobs, helps contain urban sprawl, reduces environmental
and health threats, and preserves community character. This landmark,
bipartisan legislation will be a boon to local communities throughout
America. This can truly be a victory for everyone." 

"Brownfields threaten not only the health of our citizens, but also the
economic health of communities across the country, by leading to abandoned
inner cities, increased crime and sprawl and loss of jobs," said Senator
Lautenberg. "But if they are cleaned up, they represent tremendous
potential for new employment and a healthier environment. Now, finally, we
have legislation to achieve those goals and turn these sites around." 

"This bipartisan brownfields reform bill should serve as a model for the
future of environmental policy in this nation, that of working in
cooperation with community leaders and private citizens to achieve our
shared goals of resource conservation and promoting a cleaner environment,"
said EPW Chairman Bob Smith. "Returning these sites to productive use will
eliminate some of the pressure to consume existing green space, and help to
strengthen local economies. Additionally, this bill sets the stage for
comprehensive reform of the Superfund program next year. I'm pleased to
help lead this effort as chairman of the Environment and Public Works
Committee." 

"This bill is a win-win," said Senator Baucus. "It's good for the
environment. It's good for communities. And it's good for the economy.
That's the case not only in big cities, but in rural states like Montana
too." 
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