Bill authored by Rep. Davis signed into law STATEHOUSE - A bill authored by State Rep. Bill Davis (R-Portland) was signed into law Monday by Gov. Mitch Daniels. HB 1200 protects brownfield owners from liability for environmental damage caused by contamination that existed before the land was purchased by the current owner.Under HB 1200, if a brownfield owner installs any pavement, hard surface or vegitation to cover the contaminated soil to prevent environment damage, they will not be held liable should any environmental damage occur. Instead, the liability will remain with the owner of the land at the time that the contamination occurred. "This bill is meant to promote the rehabilitation and repurposing of these brownfields by protecting brownfield owners," said Rep. Davis. "If the current owner takes the precautionary step of sealing the contamination that occurred before they even purchased the land, they should not be held liable for any damages that may happen. This bill ensures that the proper people are held accountable for their actions." HB 1200 will become law effective July 1, 2011 after receiving bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. -30- |
