And it provides opportunities for public review and input. Senate Bill 11 provides lenders, economic development agencies, municipalities and conservancies protection from environmental cleanup liabilities if they did not cause the pollution on a site. Senate Bill 12, sponsored by Sen. Belan from the Mon Valley, will establish a special fund to finance environmental assessments and cleanups of sites in distressed communities and cities. These laws represent a reasoned and practical approach. These laws signify a beginning of a new partnership which our Department of Environmental Protection will forge with communities.
Today represents step one.
With this significant step forward toward reuse of these sites and expanded economic opportunities for our communities, I am convinced that Pennsylvania s best days lie ahead.