State  Brownfields and
Voluntary Response  Programs:
An  Update from the States
The "State Brownfields and Voluntary Response Programs: An Update from the States" explores the evolving landscape
of state environmental, financial, and technical programs designed to promote brownfields cleanup and reuse. This
update provides a concise, user-friendly synopsis of the programs and tools that are available through state programs.
The information contained in this report was gathered from state response program contacts and state response program
websites.

State programs continue to be at the forefront of brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, as both the public and
private markets recognize the responsibilities and opportunities of state response programs in ensuring protective and
sustainable cleanups. The increasing number of properties entering into state programs emphasizes the states' growing
role in brownfields cleanup. State programs are continuing to adapt to meet the changing  needs of property owners
and communities. Many different—but equally effective—approaches are available to meet the multiple challenges and
common objectives of brownfields reuse. Several states recently passed legislative changes to establish new programs,
while other states adopted new regulations to enhance their programs and encourage cleanups.
Elements in the Analysis

This update looks at several components of state brownfields/response programs.

The Program overview lays out the basics of each state's voluntary response program and any other brownfields-
related cleanup programs. It provides program titles and contact information for each state program, and discusses
administrative elements, such as program costs, fees for service, and sources of funding for program staff and
operations. A major part of the update is the review of Cleanup Activities. To the extent that states provided the
necessary data, the update contains information on the number of properties that entered and/or subsequently
completed a state's voluntary cleanup program.

Financial Elements provides an explanation of assessment and cleanup funding, tax incentives, and other forms of
brownfields redevelopment support available under state programs, such as environmental insurance. Typically, the
applicability of specific programs comes down to a state agency's interpretation of which brownfields properties and
activities are eligible for any particular assistance program. This update includes information on programs directly
available through state voluntary response programs, as well as other incentive programs identified as being applicable
to brownfields reuse efforts. The update includes information on funding sources, funding amounts, and a program's
focus on special types of properties, such as dry cleaners or petroleum properties. In addition, this section discusses
liability relief provisions.

Program Elements provides information on the technical elements of individual state programs.  It includes information
on applicable cleanup methods and standards, contaminants covered or excluded under state programs,  requirements
governing institutional controls, and state approaches to long-term stewardship.

Program Highlights provides a success story or overview of a project or activity recently conducted using the
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Section 128(a) Response Program funding. The program highlights showcases
the variety of ways states are using Section 128(a) Response Program funding to continue to develop their programs or
conduct site-specific assessment or cleanup activities to protect human health and the environment.

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