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H 673

An act relating to brownfields redevelopment of the Upper Valley Regional Landfill

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rebecca Holcombe and 1 co-sponsor

The bill creates a state framework and incentives to assess, clean up, and redevelop brownfield sites in the Upper Valley region to spur economic growth and environmental protectio

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment
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Bill Summary · H 673

Overview

Bill: H 673 (Session 2025-2026, Vermont)
Title: An act relating to brownfields redevelopment of the Upper Valley Regional Landfill

Status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment (2026-01-14)
Sponsors: Co-sponsors Jim Masland and Rebecca Holcombe

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to facilitate the redevelopment and beneficial reuse of sites contaminated or potentially contaminated by past industrial or waste activities, with a focus on the Upper Valley Regional Landfill area.
  • It seeks to streamline processes, provide or authorize incentives, and establish or empower programs that support brownfields assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment to promote economic development, job creation, and environmental protection.

Key provisions and changes (as described or implied by the title and scope)

  • Brownfields redevelopment framework: Establishes or enhances a state framework for identifying, assessing, and cleaning up brownfield sites, specifically targeting the Upper Valley Regional Landfill region.
  • Funding and incentives: May authorize funding sources, grants, loans, or tax incentives to support cleanup and redevelopment projects, and to reduce barriers for prospective developers.
  • Oversight and governance: Likely designates a lead state agency or interagency process (within Environment Committee purview) to administer brownfields programs, monitor compliance, and report progress.
  • Standards and cleanup: Sets or references cleanup standards, risk-based approaches, and performance milestones to ensure protective cleanup and safe redevelopment.
  • Community and stakeholder involvement: Encourages or requires engagement with local communities, residents, and municipalities affected by redevelopment projects.
  • Economic and environmental co-benefits: Aims to align brownfields cleanup with regional economic development goals, especially in the Upper Valley area, potentially including job creation, housing, or commercial redevelopment.

Who would be affected

  • Local governments and municipalities within the Upper Valley region: potential partners in redevelopment planning, permitting, and use of remediated sites.
  • Property owners and prospective developers: access to incentives, streamlined processes, and clearer standards for brownfield cleanup and reuse.
  • Environmental and public health agencies: implementation of assessment, cleanup, and monitoring activities.
  • Residents and communities near the Upper Valley Regional Landfill: potential improvements in environmental conditions and economic opportunities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: As of January 14, 2026, the bill has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Environment for study, discussion, and potential amendments.
  • Next steps: The Committee on Environment would hold hearings, solicit stakeholder input, possibly amend the bill, and report it back to the chamber with recommendations. Subsequent floor action would follow the Vermont legislative calendar, including potential passage, reconciliation between House and Senate if needed, and enactment.
  • Implementation timeline: If enacted, the bill would establish effective dates for any new programs, funding, and rules, with phased rollouts typically aligned to budget cycles and regulatory readiness.

Notes

  • The bill’s exact text is not provided here; the summary reflects the stated title and typical provisions associated with brownfields redevelopment initiatives.
  • For precise details (e.g., specific funding amounts, program names, reporting deadlines, and regulatory standards), refer to the bill’s full text and any amendments adopted by the Environment Committee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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