Energy and Environment Panel Tackles Air, Water and Brownfield Issues

By Kevin McCarty

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory directed discussions among the mayors on a full agenda of issues at the Energy and Environment Committee meeting held January 26 during the Conference’s 68th Winter Meeting.

Participating in the Committee discussion was Mike McCabe, EPA’s Acting Deputy Administrator, who talked about the Administration’s “Better America Bond” proposal and other matters. McCabe emphasized that “this (BAB bonds) is one the tools” to help communities reclaim brownfields and combat the effects of urban development.

In discussing pending brownfields/Superfund legislation, McCabe noted that the “Boehlert (Rep. Sherwood Boehlert of New York) bill didn’t pass,” adding that the legislation “doesn’t have the Administration’s support.” He also said that, “for a brownfields bill to pass, it needs to be narrowly drawn.” In discussing the outlook for legislation this year, McCabe said, “We look forward to working with you to see that there is a legislative package that we can get passed.” McCabe also discussed the Administration’s recent rules to control mobile source emissions through new requirements for sport utility vehicles and light trucks, linking these changes to new requirements on refiners to produce cleaner fuels.  Following his remarks, McCabe listened to the mayors and their reports on pending issues, joining in the discussion on these matters.

Clean Air

Tulsa Mayor M. Susan Savage emphasized the need for incentive-based system as opposed to a punitive system when air quality violations occur. She explained the Tulsa area’s work with EPA on its Flexible Attainment Region (FAR) agreement and urged the agency to look at this approach. She also explained concerns of the mayors about the potential confusion and disruption associated with planned reclassifications of non-attainment areas by Summer.

Richmond (CA) Mayor Rosemary Corbin, the Committee’s Vice Chair for Air, briefed the panel members on the status of the Conference’s clean air and brownfields project that was undertaken with support from EPA and the Economic Development Administration to determine the relationship between Clean Air standards and economic development. Corbin also commended the Administration’s many efforts in support of city efforts to improve the environment.

Clean Water/Water Infrastructure

Pallatine Mayor Rita Mullins, the Committee’s Vice Chair for Water, delivered a report on pending water and wastewater issues. She praised the work of the Urban Water Council and its co-chairs, Lynn Mayor Patrick McManus and Wilmington (DE) Mayor James H. Sills, Jr.

Mullins also advised the mayors about Congressional interest in increasing federal investment in water and wastewater infrastructure. She noted that the Conference needs to “be backing Chairman Shuster and others who are willing to set forward with increased federal funding commitments to help us achieve full compliance with the many federal clean water requirements before our communities.”

Superfund/Brownfields

Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Co-Chair of the Brownfields Task Force, updated the Committee members on the status of federal legislation on brownfields and Superfund reform. He underscored the Conference’s strong backing of the bipartisan legislation, “Recycle America’s Land Act” (H.R. 1300), that cleared the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a 69-2 vote in August. He explained how the legislation was delayed over tax issues in the legislation. Bollwage told the mayors, “This is the year to get this legislation through the Congress.”

Bollwage also noted that the Conference’s National Brownfields Survey would be released in late February. In addition to release of the survey, he told the mayors that the Task Force is asking for their help to develop a “Best Practices” report which will highlight successes in returning brownfields to productive use.

Other Reports              

Lincoln Mayor Don Wesely, who serves as the Co-Chair of the Mayors and Agricultural Leaders Task Force, reported on his recent discussions with the leaders of the American Farmland Trust, an effort to bring mayors and agricultural leaders together on a common agenda.

North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays, Chair of the Utility Restructuring Task Force, updated the Committee members on the status of Congressional work on electric utility restructuring legislation.

Chattanooga Mayor Jon Kinsey, the Conference’s Chair for the Sustainable Communities Task Force, delivered a report on the Joint Center for Sustainable Communities and related matters. He also provided Committee members with information on the Joint Center awards which were unveiled in December at a White House event and shared copies of the Center’s strategic plan.

McCrory, Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, discussed a number of other issues and provided a brief status report on several ongoing Conference of Mayors projects and activities. In response to a discussion of the mayors and concerns about the gasoline additive, MTBE, McCrory directed the Conference staff, in concert with U.S. EPA, to prepare information for the mayors on this issue.