Environment Subcommittee Advances Legislation to Support the Redevelopment of Brownfields Sites and Expand Recycling Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, led a markup of legislation to support the redevelopment of Brownfields sites and ensure communities have access to recycling infrastructure.

“Today's markup helped further our goal of improving the quality of life for communities across the country,” said Chairman Palmer. “The bills advanced today would reauthorize the EPA's Brownfields Program, which supports the cleanup and productive reuse of brownfields sites across the country and support domestic manufacturing and expand access to recycling infrastructure. They would also continue the robust funding required to maintain the Brownfields Program.”

Legislative Vote Summary:

• H.R. 8739, Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act, was reported to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 2145, Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, was reported, as amended to include the language of H.R. 4109, to the Full Committee by a voice vote.

Watch the full markup here.

Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01), on H.R. 8739, the Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act: “The Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act is a critical piece of legislation that will bolster the program's previous successes while incorporating updates to address the nearly 450,000 brownfield sites still remaining across the country. This legislation will ensure that we continue the progress we have made with the brownfields program, while ensuring proper oversight and accountability.”

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), on H.R. 2145, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act: “We must recycle and keep critical materials and critical minerals in American hands, not ship them overseas. That's why I've introduced the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act. RIA would establish a pilot grant program specifically targeting communities like many in my district—those without a recycling facility within 75 miles. This bipartisan legislation has earned endorsements from industry leaders here today, environmental groups, and manufacturers who understand that recycling infrastructure is manufacturing infrastructure, and that domestic material supply is economic security.”

Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08), on H.R. 2145, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act: “The amendment directs the EPA to coordinate with state, local, and tribal governments to collect data related to composting and recycling in the United States, and to compile a nationwide inventory of materials recovery facilities every four years. Additionally, my amendment allows the EPA to develop a standardized estimated rate of recyclable materials that have been brought to recycling or composting facilities, as well as an estimated annual national recycling rate. The intention is to arm the EPA with the data and authorization it needs to collaborate with states, cities, and tribes across America to help improve composting and recycling rates by strengthening recycling systems and improving information collection on recyclable materials and composting.”