Crs Report for Congress - Environmental Protection Issues in the 107th Congress: October 7, 2002 - Ib10067 (Paperback)

Among the many environmental bills introduced in the 107th Congress as of early October, a brownfields bill and bioterrorism preparedness legislation were the only major enactments. In addition, the first session provided FY2002 funding to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government agency environmental programs. Still on the agenda are: H.R. 4, the comprehensive energy bill, which has numerous environmental provisions; the EPA and Department of Defense appropriations bills for FY2003; bills authorizing HUD and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) brownfield programs; legislation authorizing EPA regulation of pesticide exports; bills to extend water infrastructure funding programs; and legislation to address chemical plant security. Table 1 provides a summary of environmental legislation on which there has been some action. Brownfields. In the first session, Congress enacted P.L. 107-118, the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfield Revitalization Act. On June 4, 2002, the House passed H.R. 2941 to enhance the Dep a r t m e n t of Housing and Urban Development's brownfields program. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee reported S. 1079 (S.Rept. 107-244) on August 28, 2002, to provide $60 million per year for the EDA's brownfield program. Energy Bill. House and Senate conferees are currently negotiating ...