The federal role in assisting states and communities to clean up brownfields for productive use has been an ongoing issue for more than a decade. In 2002, Congress provided specific statutory authority for EPA to address brownfields with the enactment of the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act ( P.L. 107-118 ). The mere perception of contamination at brownfield sites often hinders redevelopment. Subsection 128(a) created a non-competitive grant program to support state and tribal response programs. Considerations for Policymakers

There appears to be broad consensus that a federal role in the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields is desirable. However, issues regarding the degree of financial assistance and overall program effectiveness have been raised.
The federal role in assisting states and communities to clean up brownfield sitesâreal property affected by the potential presence of environmental contaminationâhas been an ongoing issue for more than a decade. With the enactment of the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act ( P.L. 107-118 ) in 2002, Congress provided specific authority for EPA to address brownfield sites.
In contrast to Superfund sites, environmental contamination present at brownfield sites is typically less of a risk to human health. With the primary motivation to aid cleanup efforts, the 2002 statute, among other things, authorized two grant programs: (1) a competitive grant program to address specific sites; and (2) a non-competitive grant program to support state cleanup programs.
While there appears to be broad consensus that a federal role in the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields is desirable, issues regarding the degree of financial assistance and overall program effectiveness have been raised.