Today, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants millions of dollars to California for brownfields cleanup and remediation, I would like to share with you how Governor Schwarzenegger’s leadership on such measures contributes to protecting California’s environment and stimulating our economy.

Brownfields are abandoned, idle, or underused commercial or industrial properties where redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination. Brownfield vary in size, location, age, and past use. They can be anything from a thousand-acre automobile assembly plant to a small, abandoned corner gas station.

Because of uncertainties about the cost of cleaning up contamination, brownfields have historically been idle and abandoned, ultimately reducing the opportunity for communities to build homes, businesses or schools. This costs local governments and the state millions of dollars in lost property tax revenues, and it could contribute to continued presence of harmful toxic chemicals in our communities.

Under Governor Schwarzenegger’s direction, the Department of Toxic Substances Control has been able to reduce the time it takes to cleanup brownfields. Our activities have enabled us to remove harmful toxic chemicals from land and water while returning abandoned properties into productive. These cleanup and restoration efforts are valuable for our local communities and our state because putting these sites back into business creates jobs, increases our tax bases, and leverages additional development.

California’s ability to cleanup and restore brownfields for safe, productive use is a clear example how environmental protection is good for the economy. Since many brownfields are located in urban areas, their redevelopment can also help reduce greenhouse emissions by 20 to 40%. Such actions are emblematic of the Governor’s commitment to stimulating the economy and ensuring the future of our state’s environment.