Having just achieved bipartisan approval by a House Subcommittee of his brownfields and Superfund reform legislation, Representative Sherwood Boehlert (NY) told mayors at the June 13 plenary session that his bipartisan legislation (H.R. 1300) is "Possibly, the single, most important urban redevelopment and rebirth legislation in this decade."

"With your continued help, we will have an opportunity to enact this legislation this year," Boehlert said.

Boehlert praised the mayors for their "unyielding support" for his bipartisan legislation to help cities redevelop brownfields and secure needed relief under the nation’s Superfund law. He thanked Conference President and Salt Lake City Mayor Deedee Corradini and Host New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial and others for "standing with me." He explained that throughout the process, mayors have been supporting his bipartisan efforts. "From coast to coast, mayors have been with us," Boehlert said.

In noting Morial’s work on the legislation, Boehlert said, "Mayor Morial said to me that he views brownfields as ‘greenfields,’ because these sites are where money is invested and money is spent."

Describing why the legislation has earned the support of a broad cross-section of organizations, including the nation’s mayors, Boehlert said, "Because this legislation makes sense for America."

He reminded the mayors that the ‘Recycle America’s Land Act’ (H.R. 1300) is the "only bipartisan legislation in the Congress." Boehlert emphasized that, with the Congress controlled by Republicans and the White House controlled by Democrats, "The only legislation that can pass is bipartisan legislation."

Boehlert also said, "In dealing with brownfields, we have talked too much and done too little to redevelop these sites. We have got to put these properties back into productive use." He also added that "fear of Superfund’s liability is the single, most important barrier" in the way of redeveloping brownfields."

Referencing Vice President Al Gore’s efforts to address urban sprawl, Boehlert said, "The way to put an end to urban sprawl is to redevelop brownfields."

He express optimism about the potential for positive action on the legislation, urging mayors to continue their strong support for his bipartisan legislative efforts. "Together, I am determined, on a bipartisan basis, that we can stand side-by-side with the President at a Rose Garden ceremony. Together, we will prevail."

Boehlert, who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment, convened the panel June 10 to consider H.R. 1300; after approving a few amendments, the Subcommittee adopted H.R. 1300 on a bipartisan vote of 22-9. The full House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to take action on H.R. 1300 on July 1.