U.S. Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz - 13th District of Pennsylvania

U.S. Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz
Representing the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2006

CONTACT: Rachel Magnuson, 202-225-6111


	Schwartz Plan Improves Environment

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz secured approval to strengthen Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental and energy standards. Specifically, Schwartz’s proposal would require the EPA to include green building and energy efficiency standards among the criteria it considers when judging applications for the Brownfields Grants. Schwartz’s plan secured a unanimous “yes” vote in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“I am pleased that that my colleagues supported this common sense plan to improve our environment,” said Rep. Schwartz, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

In 1993, the EPA established the Brownfields Grant program to support the clean up, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of property sites contaminated by hazardous waste or pollution. Across the nation, including Southeastern Pennsylvania, the successful redevelopment of Brownfield sites has played an important role in turning numerous neglected, environmentally-hazardous properties into vibrant community sites where people now live, work, and enjoy recreational opportunities.

Schwartz’s proposal will result in a savings of energy and other natural resources, provide workers with a safer, healthier working environment, and reduce pollution and storm water runoff.

“When using taxpayer dollars, the federal government has a responsibility to advance and promote energy-efficiency, sustainability and smart-growth. My plan will require that we lead by example."

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