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Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act

USA119th CongressHR-8739| House 
| Updated: 5/12/2026
Brett Guthrie

Brett Guthrie

Republican Representative

Kentucky

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, titled the Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act, significantly amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to bolster brownfields revitalization efforts. It increases the maximum grant amounts for brownfield site remediation from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per site and raises multipurpose brownfields grants from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 . Additionally, it expands the definition of eligible entities to include 501(c)(6) organizations and permits the use of up to 10 percent of grant or loan funds for demolition activities . The legislation introduces new ranking criteria for grants, prioritizing projects that facilitate redevelopment on former military installations or for certain transportation-related activities. It also mandates noncompetitive grants for technical assistance to help small communities and previously unsuccessful applicants secure brownfields funding. To reduce financial barriers, the bill allows the Administrator to waive matching share requirements for eligible entities in small communities or disadvantaged areas. For enhanced accountability, the bill requires the EPA Inspector General to conduct biennial audits of brownfields funding, including grants to states and Indian tribes. It reauthorizes appropriations for brownfields programs at $123,500,000 annually and for state and tribal assistance at $46,250,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Furthermore, states and Indian tribes receiving grants must maintain and annually update a public inventory of brownfield sites. Finally, the bill mandates several studies and reports, including a review of revolving loan funds, the impact of technical assistance, and the feasibility of new loan programs for brownfield assessment and remediation. It also directs the EPA Administrator to develop guidance for federal agencies to streamline permitting and environmental reviews for brownfield projects, aiming to expedite redevelopment.
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Timeline
May 12, 2026
Introduced in House
May 12, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • May 12, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 12, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act

USA119th CongressHR-8739| House 
| Updated: 5/12/2026
This bill, titled the Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act, significantly amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to bolster brownfields revitalization efforts. It increases the maximum grant amounts for brownfield site remediation from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per site and raises multipurpose brownfields grants from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 . Additionally, it expands the definition of eligible entities to include 501(c)(6) organizations and permits the use of up to 10 percent of grant or loan funds for demolition activities . The legislation introduces new ranking criteria for grants, prioritizing projects that facilitate redevelopment on former military installations or for certain transportation-related activities. It also mandates noncompetitive grants for technical assistance to help small communities and previously unsuccessful applicants secure brownfields funding. To reduce financial barriers, the bill allows the Administrator to waive matching share requirements for eligible entities in small communities or disadvantaged areas. For enhanced accountability, the bill requires the EPA Inspector General to conduct biennial audits of brownfields funding, including grants to states and Indian tribes. It reauthorizes appropriations for brownfields programs at $123,500,000 annually and for state and tribal assistance at $46,250,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Furthermore, states and Indian tribes receiving grants must maintain and annually update a public inventory of brownfield sites. Finally, the bill mandates several studies and reports, including a review of revolving loan funds, the impact of technical assistance, and the feasibility of new loan programs for brownfield assessment and remediation. It also directs the EPA Administrator to develop guidance for federal agencies to streamline permitting and environmental reviews for brownfield projects, aiming to expedite redevelopment.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 12, 2026
Introduced in House
May 12, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • May 12, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 12, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Brett Guthrie

Brett Guthrie

Republican Representative

Kentucky

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted