News Release (C-22-98)

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 324-9670 FAX (916) 445-5563

For Immediate Release (C-22-98) Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670 November 3, 1998

Secretary Rooney Addresses Brownfield Remediation Seminar

SAN FRANCISCO – Citing the need to return contaminated properties to viable commercial entities throughout the state, Secretary for Environmental Protection Peter M. Rooney today in a keynote address said, "In the past forty years California has faced unique challenges, responding to, and growing rapidly in, wartime economies, with resulting impacts on our environment, which as current stewards of our resources, we are committed to repairing."

The Secretary cited California’s varied industrialization, the economic impact of closing military bases, the loss of some local industries, such as north state logging, and the rash of natural disasters and events, as factors contributing to the creation of potential Brownfield locations.

The address, given as part of the RTM Communications, Inc. sponsored seminar, "Contaminated Properties, How the Deals Get Done", was held in San Francisco and focused on Brownfield remediation issues.

"In order to ensure we leave a California in better condition than when we received it, we must ensure that Brownfields are addressed aggressively and early in the development process," Rooney said. "In doing this it is imperative that we give specific attention to development of inner city properties which will also revitalize those areas, providing entry level jobs, as well as a pyramid of promotional opportunities for inner city residents," Rooney told the 130 participants of the seminar.

Rooney encouraged participants to work with Cal/EPA, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, other local and statewide governmental agencies, and private industry, to take advantage of opportunities to redevelop Brownfield sites. "As acknowledged active participants in the development process, all of you attending this conference will play an integral part providing California with a new resurgence of industrial and entrepreneurial activity," he concluded.

Rooney closed by outlining Governor Wilson’s commitment to this important issue throughout the eight years of his Administration.

# # #

1998 Releases | Archived Press Releases