BROWNSFIELDS ACT PASSED

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001. The American Insurance Association (AIA) called the bill good for cities, people, business and the environment since it promotes the cleanup of contaminated abandoned industrial sites located primarily in urban areas. The bill will authorize $250 million in grants for site assessment and cleanup to return these sites to useful purposes. Although not yet introduced in the House of Representatives, it is expected that a companion or similar bill will soon be considered by that body.