Brownfields Authorization Increase Act of 2017

Bill: 115-hr-1747
Sponsor: Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]
Introduced: 2017-03-28 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Bankruptcy
Community life and organization
Ecology
Economic development
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Land use and conservation
Pollution liability
Poverty and welfare assistance
Rural conditions and development
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
State and local government operations
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-28
text: 

Brownfields Authorization Increase Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 by: (1) reauthorizing through FY2023 and revising the brownfield revitalization funding program, and (2) permanently reauthorizing a grant program for state and tribal response programs (programs responding to brownfields). (Brownfield sites are certain commercial properties that are hindered from reuse or redevelopment due to the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.) 
 
Certain nonprofit organizations and community development entities are made eligible for brownfields revitalization funding. 
 
The bill increases the cap on the amount that may be given in grants for direct remediation of brownfield sites. 
 
The brownfield site characterization and assessment grant program is revised by authorizing eligible entities to receive grants for property they acquired on or before January 11, 2002. 
 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must establish a program to provide multipurpose grants to carry out inventory, characterization, assessment, planning, or remediation activities at brownfield sites. In addition, the EPA must establish a grant program for brownfield projects that reduce the brownfield's environmental impact, increase community livability, and encourage sustainability. 
 
The EPA must establish a grant program that provides training, research, and technical assistance to facilitate the inventory of brownfield sites, site assessments, remediation of brownfield sites, community involvement, or site preparation. (Currently, the EPA may provide funding for this purpose.) The bill authorizes the EPA to use up to a specified amount of the funding made available for the grant program on grants to assist small communities, Indian tribes, rural areas, or disadvantaged areas. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-31
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.
action_date: 2017-03-29
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
action_date: 2017-03-28
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-03-28
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-03-28
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-03-28
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-03-28
text: Introduced in House