Latta seeks fed cleanup accountability

VW independent/submitted information

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation on Thursday that included a bill sponsored by U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green): the Federal Facilities Accountability Act.

This legislation will ensure federal facilities are held to the same level of accountability as private facilities when it comes to cleaning-up the release of toxic substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

“Some of the most pressing environmental problems exist at current and former federal facilities and States have come a long way in developing strong regulatory programs to protect public health, safety and the environment,” Latta said. “It makes sense for federal agencies to comply with these state environmental laws and to clean up contamination at federal facilities to the same standards as everyone else.

“By updating and bringing clarity to the CERCLA cleanup process, this legislation will result in a streamlined, more efficient government and a more effective use of hard-earned taxpayer dollars,” Latta added.

Current ambiguities around the interpretation of the sovereign immunity provision in CERCLA have resulted in some federal facilities skirting their CERCLA cleanup responsibilities. The Federal Facilities Accountability Act fixes this problem by specifically identifying the types of state procedural and substantive requirements that are applicable to the federal government under the law. This approach will ensure states have the appropriate amount of involvement and oversight in federal agency cleanups.