NE Washington News

Congressman Morgan Griffith, Chair of the Subcommittee on Environment, delivered an opening statement at a hearing focused on redeveloping brownfield sites. The session aimed to evaluate the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields grant program.

"Today, this Subcommittee will examine the implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields grant program," Griffith stated. He explained that brownfields are properties potentially contaminated with hazardous substances, complicating redevelopment efforts due to liability concerns for new owners.

The EPA's program offers grants to states, Tribes, and economic development agencies to assess contamination levels and facilitate site cleanup and redevelopment. Since 1993, these efforts have been in place, formally established by Congress in 2002 under the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act.

Griffith noted bipartisan support for the program, despite its statutory authorization expiring at the end of Fiscal Year 2023. "Reauthorizing this program will provide us with an opportunity to examine the program and find out what aspects are working well and what aspects need improvement," he said.

He highlighted a $1.5 billion supplemental appropriation from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for brownfields, exempted from certain statutory limitations. The Congressman emphasized examining these changes' advantages and disadvantages.

"EPA estimates there are more than 450,000 brownfields properties in the United States," Griffith remarked. These sites represent significant economic potential amid growing infrastructure needs for innovative technologies.

Griffith referenced ABI Research's estimate of over 6,000 data centers worldwide by 2025 due to artificial intelligence growth. He also mentioned expected electricity demand increases over five years necessitating additional energy resources.

The hearing sought opportunities to attract industries to brownfield sites while addressing existing barriers. In his district in Southwest Virginia, local entities have revitalized former mine lands for economic development purposes.

"I hope we can learn more today about how the Brownfields Program can support these endeavors," Griffith added. He thanked witnesses including Jim Connaughton of James L. Connaughton Strategies; Mayor Christian Bollwage from Elizabeth, New Jersey; Christa Stoneham of Houston Land Bank; and Duane Miller from LENOWISCO Planning District Commission for their contributions.

"I look forward to a good discussion," concluded Griffith before recognizing Ranking Member Mr. Tonko for his opening statement.