| Urban Uprising Abstract
The EPA has provided up to $200,000 toward the renewal of "brownfields"–approximately 450,000 abandoned or underused industrial and commercial facilities, often located in poor inner cities, where expansion or redevelopment is prevented by real or perceived environmental contamination. Reclaiming brownfields confers multiple benefits: space for new businesses to build without defiling undeveloped lands, plus the associated new jobs and revitalized local economy.
 The Brownfields National Partnership Action Agenda, a coalition of over 15 federal agencies, was introduced in May. A $300 million federal investment and $5–28 billion in private investments will support up to 196,000 jobs. The federal funds will provide for redevelopment, housing, assessment, cleanup, and job training. On the table is a proposed $2 billion tax incentive to encourage redevelopment of about 5,000 sites. Additionally, a spate of brownfields legislation was recently introduced into the 105th Congress.
The brownfields initiative may well be the model for future environmental law making. Most agree that the brownfields initiative is an innovative approach to tackling urban blight. But some worry that the new businesses will pollute the rejuvenated areas all over again. Critics also question the lack of strong oversight to ensure that brownfields are cleaned to common standards. Supporters maintain, however, that the initiative is meant to be a learning experience, and is flexible enough to change as needed.
The EPA hasn't yet decided whether it should exercise oversight on brownfields cleanups or let states assume that responsibility. Currently, some states maintain a "memo of understanding" with the EPA, which means they are authorized to make the final decision on the adequacy of a cleanup effort.
But states handle the issues of liability and protection differently. To reach any kind of national agreement on standards that need to be set, thorny questions of oversight and responsibility must be answered. In the meantime, many states have passed laws establishing effective voluntary cleanup programs and reforming liability.
Last Update: September 4, 1997
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