This document presents a summary of Public Law 107-118. It does not constitute a statement of EPA policy, interpretation, or guidance.
Small Business Liability Relief (Title I)
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Exempts certain small volume contributors from Superfund liability
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Exempts certain contributors of municipal solid waste from Superfund liability
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Shifts court costs and attorneys fees to a private party if a private party loses a Superfund contribution action against de micromis or municipal solid waste exempt party
Brownfields Program (Title II - Subtitle A)
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Provides legislative authority for brownfields program including grants for assessment and cleanup
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Expands current brownfields program by increasing funding authority up to $200 million per year including up to $50 million per year to assess and cleanup brownfields with petroleum contamination
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Expands eligibility for assessment and cleanup grants
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New provision for direct cleanup grants of up to $200,000 per site
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Streamlines current requirements for the brownfields cleanup revolving loan fund and makes funding available to nonprofits
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Applies Davis Bacon Act on same terms as authority for current program
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Makes funds available for technical assistance, training and research
Brownfields Liability Clarifications (Title II - Subtitle B)
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Exempts certain contiguous property owners from Superfund liability
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Exempts certain prospective purchasers from Superfund liability
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Clarifies the innocent landholders defense to Superfund liability
State Response Programs (Title II - Subtitle C)
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Supports State and Tribal response programs and preserves Federal safety net
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Provides $50 million per year for State and Tribal response programs
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Expands activities available for funding of State programs
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Provides Superfund liability relief for certain properties cleaned up under State response programs
EPA Contacts: Brownfields Program: Sven-Erik Kaiser, 202-260-5138
Enforcement/Liability: Paul Connor, 202-564-5114 |