WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today acted to help redevelop abandoned or contaminated properties and encourage economic development by voting for H.R. 3017, the Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act. Brownfields are abandoned, closed or under-utilized industrial or commercial properties that may be contaminated because of their prior use. However, these sites often have great potential for redevelopment, if they are cleaned up properly. This bill reauthorizes the EPA Brownfields Program in order to help states and localities get the tools and guidance they need to clean up and redevelop brownfields. It encourages cooperation between federal, state and local stakeholders in order to create jobs and revitalize local economies. H.R. 3017 passed the House with a vote of 409-8 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
“There are more than 450,000 brownfields in the United States,” Rep. Pete Olson said. “Our very own Minute Maid Park, home to our World Series Champion Houston Astros, was a former brownfield. Now, the ballpark and surrounding area are a thriving section of Houston. The EPA Brownfields Program makes it possible for communities to clean up old chemical plants, warehouses, or even gas stations to redevelop these areas and encourage job creation and economic development. Thanks to this program, we can look forward to seeing the transformation of more brownfields in the future.”