On the recordNovember 30, 2017
I thank Mr. Pallone and Mr. Shimkus for their hard work. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of the Environmental Protection Agency's brownfields program, H.R. 3017, a highly successful program by all accounts. In the past two Congresses, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment has evaluated the program in multiple hearings. What we have learned each time is that the program continues operating, as it has since its creation, very efficiently and successfully. Data provided by the EPA shows that, since its inception, the brownfields program has leveraged more than 122,800 jobs and over $23.6 billion in cleanup and redevelopment funding. For every dollar of brownfields funding--Federal funding--more than 16 other public and private dollars are leveraged on a national level, and more than eight jobs are leveraged for every $100,000 of EPA brownfields funds expended. It is undeniable that this program is working as it should and that communities across the Nation are benefiting from the investment of the Federal dollars in this program. The changes made to the program in this bill before the House today will improve it and increase the flexibility with which communities will be able to utilize the program. Although I support the bill, I am puzzled by this body's reluctance to increase the funding for a very successful program for the brownfields.…
