EPA Administrator Christie Whitman praised Congress for its passage on December 19 of bipartisan Brownfields legislation. Whitman said the new legislation will make the cleanup of brownfields a more effective and cooperative effort.
"Revitalization of brownfields and new investment in our cities is essential. The passage of brownfields legislation by Congress will considerably enhance our efforts on those fronts," said Whitman. "Returning abandoned industrial sites to productive use can create jobs in areas where they are very much needed and also will improve the tax base of many communities."