ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 1102 with a vote of 162 to 1, showing tremendous bipartisan support for the measure. Sponsored by State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan), HB 1102 would encourage more individuals to participate in the Georgia Brownfield program, which offers liability protection and tax incentives for those who cleanup environmentally damaged land.
“This legislation passed with overwhelming support because it is more than just an environmental cleanup program. Expanding the Georgia Brownfield program is about creating jobs, growing our economy, cutting red tape, and revitalizing our communities in this great state,” added Rep. Smith.
HB 1102 carries the support of the Georgia Brownfield Association, the EPD, and the Georgia House of Representatives’ “Red Tape Watch.”
The legislation would encourage more people to participate in the Georgia Brownfield program by allowing property buyers a 30 day grace period after closing to submit an application to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Current law requires buyers to submit their applications prior to closing on the property. This policy has prevented some from participating in the program, because many sellers will not allow potential buyers to conduct the necessary tests on the property before they have closed on the land.
In addition to expanding the time period for property buyers to apply, HB 1102 would also clarify language to ensure that the liability protection associated with the Brownfield program runs with the property and is available to successive buyers.
“For the past decade, the Brownfield program has made a positive impact on both the environment and the economy,” said Rep. Smith. “This legislation will increase the number of people who can participate in this extraordinary program, so that more citizens can work to improve the quality of property in Georgia, while taking advantage of the incentives that they earn.”
The Georgia Brownfield program was established by the Reuse and Redevelopment Act, which the Georgia General Assembly passed in 2002. The program is administered by the Hazardous Waste Management Division of EPD. Participants in the program receive liability protection and an opportunity to recover expenses by receiving a credit against property taxes on the increased value of the property for up to 10 years. Since its creation, nearly 400 properties across the state have been cleaned up or are in the process of being cleaned up with private dollars.
For more information about HB 1102, please click here.
For more information on the Georgia Brownfield program, please click here.
Representative Lynn Smith represents the citizens of District 70, which includes portions of Coweta and Heard counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 1996, and is currently the Chairman of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. She also serves on the Appropriations, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, and Rules committees. For more information about Rep. Smith, please visit her official Facebook fan page at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/State-Rep-Lynn-Smith-R-70/62557803511.
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