Brownfields play a pivotal but often underappreciated role in economic development. These underutilized or abandoned industrial or commercial sites, often burdened with real or perceived contamination, represent both a...more
Hot on the heels of the NPPF consultation MHCLG has published a working paper on the introduction of ‘brownfield passports’ to encourage development of brownfield urban land in a way that goes beyond the policy support in the...more
The ‘fundamental aim’ of the Green Belt as stated in the NPPF is urban containment. The NPPF contains strong protections by imposing strict tests to be met before Green Belt land can be released for development....more
The Georgia Brownfield Association (GBA) held its 10th annual Brownfield Seminar on April 9th, bringing together leaders from the legal, engineering, and government sectors who share an interest in furthering the...more
Communities and developers now have the opportunity to tap into certain funds earmarked by the state specifically for brownfield redevelopment and to take advantage of certain incentive programs that apply to more brownfield...more
While some developers are dragged reluctantly into redeveloping brownfields, others actively pursue these environmentally impacted properties in recognition of the advantages they can provide under the right circumstances....more
The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) recently released further application details and information regarding its Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program (the Program), which recently received renewed funding...more
In August, Governor Healey signed the FY 2024 budget legislation extending for five years until January 1, 2029, the Brownfields Tax Credit that was set to expire at the end of 2023. Consequently, the redevelopment community...more
Today Governor Maura Healy signed legislation extending the eligibility deadlines for the Massachusetts Brownfields tax credits program by five years. The legislation had been included in the budget bill, which had recently...more
We have been closely following the emerging details of the new biodiversity net gain (BNG) regime and the emerging market for off-site BNG which is expected to come into force for most planning applications in November 2023...more
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) Region 6 Office released a June 7th news release describing three Arkansas recipients of brownfield grants. The State of Arkansas is in EPA’s Region 6....more
This week a bill was introduced in the Alabama Legislature which would expand the state’s Brownfield Redevelopment and Voluntary Cleanup Program through the implementation of new features aimed to increase participation in...more
Initial guidance for the bonus credit amount for renewable energy projects located in “energy communities” answers numerous questions about how to prove a project qualifies for extra tax credits. The guidance—which is in...more
Tennessee’s new Brownfield legislation proposed by Governor Bill Lee provides significant incentives for acquisition of contaminated property. The legislation envisions three new areas of concentration for brownfield...more
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (“ESA”) is the quintessential environmental diligence tool for transactions involving real property. A Phase I ESA includes a site inspection and review of current and past uses and...more
The exact number of brownfield sites in the United States is not known. Some sources estimate the number at more than 450,000, amounting to more than five million total acres of land. One report estimated that U.S. cities...more
When New York Governor Kathy Hochul executed the 2022-2023 State Budget, it included a 10-year extension to the State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program (“BCP” or “Program). The State’s voluntary, incentive-laced, BCP was set to...more
Ohio recently announced the first round of grant awards for the state’s Brownfield Remediation Program. Ohio dedicated nearly $350 million for the program administered by the Ohio Department of Development through the 2021...more
The New York State Legislature has passed legislation that amends the NYS Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) and associated tax credit program and extends the program for another 10 years. The amendments extend the BCP, which...more
Revitalizing Brownfields has long been considered a centerpiece for community efforts to encourage growth and development of properties impacted by contamination. In 2021, Oregon’s Legislature passed HB 2518, which seeks to...more
Gov. Kathy Hochul released proposed amendments to both the Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) and the Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program this week, in connection with her FY 2023 Executive Budget proposal. The proposal...more
The DEFRA consultation published this month on the scope of the biodiversity net gain regulations to be introduced under powers in the Environment Act 2021, provides developers and landowners with a much clearer indication of...more
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) has just given notice on its website that, effective immediately, it has stopped issuing so-called “comfort letters” as part of its brownfield program. Such comfort...more
Under Miami 21, the City’s zoning code, analysis of a property is more involved than just maximum density and square footage. It is important to know the fine points of potential incentives and benefits available to maximize...more
Following the enactment of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) and its signing into law by President Joseph R. Biden this month, significantly expanded federal funding and emphasis is expected in...more