What does BRELLA mean in ENVIRONMENTAL
BRELLA stands for Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Act. It is a federal law that encourages the reuse and redevelopment of brownfield sites while limiting the liability of parties involved in the cleanup and redevelopment process.
BRELLA meaning in Environmental in Governmental
BRELLA mostly used in an acronym Environmental in Category Governmental that means Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Act
Shorthand: BRELLA,
Full Form: Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Act
For more information of "Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Act", see the section below.
Key Features of BRELLA
- Protects Bona Fide Prospective Purchasers (BFPPs): BFPPs who acquire contaminated property without knowledge of the contamination are not liable for cleanup costs unless they caused or contributed to the contamination.
- Protects Innocent Landowners (ILOs): ILOs who own contaminated property without knowledge of the contamination are not liable for cleanup costs, regardless of whether they caused or contributed to the contamination.
- Creates Three Liability Standards:
- Strict Liability: Parties who caused or contributed to the contamination are strictly liable for cleanup costs.
- Negligence Liability: Parties who failed to exercise due care in handling hazardous substances are liable for cleanup costs.
- Trespass Liability: Parties who trespass on and contaminate property are liable for cleanup costs.
- Provides Defenses to Liability: Parties may assert defenses to liability, such as:
- Acts of God
- Acts of war
- Third-party acts or omissions
- Establishes a Superfund Trust Fund: This fund provides financial assistance for the cleanup of brownfield sites.
Essential Questions and Answers on Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Act in "GOVERNMENTAL»ENVIRONMENTAL"
What is the Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Act (BRELLA)?
BRELLA is a federal law enacted in 2002 to encourage the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields, which are properties that have been contaminated by hazardous substances or pollutants. BRELLA provides liability limitations and other incentives to developers and landowners who redevelop brownfields, making it less risky and more cost-effective to do so.
What are the key provisions of BRELLA?
BRELLA includes several provisions to encourage brownfield redevelopment, including:
- Liability limitations for innocent landowners, lenders, and prospective purchasers who did not cause or contribute to the contamination.
- A streamlined process for obtaining federal cleanup grants and loans.
- Tax incentives for brownfield redevelopment.
- A "covenant not to sue" from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for properties that are cleaned up to specified standards.
Who is eligible for protection under BRELLA?
Protection under BRELLA is available to a variety of parties involved in brownfield redevelopment, including:
- Innocent landowners who did not cause or contribute to the contamination.
- Lenders who have not foreclosed on the property.
- Prospective purchasers who have not yet acquired the property.
- Developers who are redeveloping the property.
What types of properties are eligible for BRELLA protection?
BRELLA protection is available for a wide range of properties that have been contaminated by hazardous substances or pollutants, including:
- Industrial and commercial properties.
- Residential properties.
- Public properties, such as schools and parks.
- Agricultural properties.
Final Words: BRELLA is a significant law that has helped to revitalize brownfield sites and promote economic development. It provides liability protection for responsible parties, while ensuring that those who caused or contributed to contamination are held accountable for cleanup costs. The law has been instrumental in encouraging the reuse and redevelopment of contaminated properties, transforming them into productive and safe assets for communities.