As the 110th Congress reached its midpoint nearing the 2007 winter holiday recess, brownfields were gaining more attention on Capitol Hill. The EPA and the Bush Administration continue to support the brownfields program (see table), touting its impacts and results, and key members of Congress are considering the potential impact a reauthorization of the EPA brownfields program might have. Brownfield program proponents from more than 20 organizations, pleased that reauthorization had made it to the congressional radar screen, were also urging Congress to take advantage of the opportunities reauthorization offers to build on brownfield successes.

Reauthorization is in its earliest stages; many conversations have taken place and a brownfields coalition has been working to vet proposals and seek support. However, as of this writing, no bill has been introduced, although several House members have expressed interest in sponsoring one at the appropriate time. No Senate action has taken place, but solid movement on the House side could provide the impetus for the reauthorization coalition and others to urge action by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. A strong push in 2008 will be needed to get reauthorization through. ...

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