Tina Smith: “during the Armed Services Committee consideration of S. 1745, Senator McCain and I introduced language to amend section…”

“during the Armed Services Committee consideration of S. 1745, Senator McCain and I introduced language to amend section 120(h)(3) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 [CERCLA] otherwise known as Superfund--to allow for the sale of contaminated properties at former Federal facilities prior to the completion of hazardous waste remedial action. Although the Federal Government would remain responsible for the cost of cleaning up the existing contamination, the early transfer of these properties would allow for the expedited redevelopment of excess Federal properties, such as those closed under the Base Closure and Realignment Act, without having to wait for the completion of the cleanup activities. This language, which was developed with the assistance of the Department of Defense, was cleared as official administration policy by the Office of Management and Budget. In addition to section 346 being supported by the administration, we have been contacted by a number of States that believe that it is important that the transfer process be expedited so that necessary redevelopment takes place as soon as possible.”