By Judy Sheahan and Derrick Coley
February 3, 2003

The Conference Environmental Committee met January 22 at the Conference's Winter Meeting with members of the Administration to discuss the latest developments in clean air and brownfields. Other topics discussed at the meeting, chaired by Charlotte Mayor Patrick McCrory, included financing opportunities for brownfields redevelopment and city efforts to do climate protection.

McCrory opened the session by stressing his own environmental goals. "I am looking for an integrated environmental policy that links land, air, and water with each other as we develop our communities," McCrory stated.

James Connaughton, Chairman of The White House Council on Environmental Quality briefed the mayors on the President's environmental priorities, particularly a new clean air initiative. Last February, the President announced his Clear Skies Initiative, which targets utilities to reduce their emissions on three major pollutants — Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Mercury. He said that the current Administration is asking the tough questions such as, "Is the current policy tool effective in meeting that policy initiative?" Connaughton stated that the Administration is striving to achieve, "Twice the progress at half the cost."

Connaughton stressed the importance of localities protecting the environment. "Mayors are on the frontline in terms of implementing environmental policies," he said. He also stated that the Bush Administration is committed to reinvesting in America's urban areas, but that they were also simultaneously seeking ways to diversify rural economies as well.

Marianne Horinko, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) at the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency gave an overview of the new brownfields law and how cities can benefit. She also gave much credit to the Conference for pushing brownfields legislation to pass. She stated, "It really was the Conference of Mayors that was the engine that carried the momentum that allowed Congress to codify many of the local initiatives that were already taking place around the country."

Horinko said that the USEPA's brownfields program holds even greater promise at meeting the needs of mayors. She stated, "In 2003, $200 million was allocated and 2004 looks even brighter for the future of the brownfields program." She indicated that the USEPA is interested in hearing from mayors about any concerns or questions about grant implementation issues. Horinko outlined the USEPA's efforts to streamline the information and redevelopment process, between twenty-two Federal agencies, saying, "Cities need a more comprehensive approach to brownfields redevelopment."

The committee also heard from Augusta Mayor Bob Young on water infrastructure developments (see related story) and Jonathan Phillips of Cherokee Investment Partners on a new legislative proposal to potentially finance brownfields projects.

Susan Ode, Outreach Director for the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, outlined the work that cities were doing as part of a Climate Protection Campaign. Ms. Ode outlined both the greenhouse gas pollution reduced (10.4 million tons) along with the cost saving solutions ($2.2 million) that were implemented throughout the United States. For a copy of her presentation, please see our website at usmayors.org/mwma.