Federal agencies ordered to jointly tackle polluted site cleanups
In committeeH.R. 8238Latest action
Sponsor: Haley M. Stevens · Representative · MI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: RESTART Communities Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8238 requires the EDA and EPA to coordinate cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites and report to Congress within three years.
55-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8238 requires the Economic Development Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate their work on cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated properties such as old factories and industrial sites. The two agencies would be directed to share resources and help communities access existing federal grants, loans, and expert advice during and after cleanups. The bill also establishes job training, internships, and workforce programs tied to cleanup and economic recovery work.
Who does it affect?
Residents and workers in communities with contaminated land, particularly those in economically struggling areas, are the primary people affected. Local governments, tribal nations, and nonprofit or private groups working to redevelop contaminated sites would also be directly impacted.
Why does it matter?
Because the two agencies currently operate separately, communities dealing with polluted sites may not be getting coordinated federal support. Requiring joint coordination and a congressional report within three years creates accountability for whether the agencies improve access to existing resources.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- No new funding guaranteed
- Redirects existing resources only
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 9, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 9, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.