Ongoing Asbestos Cleanup Continues in Pittsburgh Steel Mills

Pittsburgers Proud of Steel Mill Heritage; Asbestos Cleanup

The residents of the Pittsburgh area are proud of their steel-working heritage – it goes beyond just rooting for the Steelers - it is an integral part of the region's economy, infrastructure and character. And while the industry has left behind a legacy of older, obsolete mills throughout Western Pennsylvania, all of us are here today to help convert these environmental eyesores back into something of pride for their communities [[including asbestos abatement]].

That's what the Brownfields program is doing all across America. It is taking problem properties and turning them back into economic and environmental assets. And I'm pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency can be a partner in this effort. You see, when President Bush asked me to become Administrator of EPA, he charged me with accelerating the pace of environmental progress, while maintaining our nation's economic competitiveness. So, instead of being viewed by some as a source of conflict, my goal is for an EPA that is a source of cooperation. And, instead of being seen by some as a stumbling block to economic growth, my goal is for an EPA that upholds environmental standards while working with individuals and industry to find innovative solutions to our environmental challenges.

EPA's commitment to the Brownfields Program reflects both of these goals. It is a collaborative model of environmental protection that forges strong public-private partnerships, and promotes innovative and creative solutions to some of the nation's most pressing environmental challenges.

And the program is working. How would I know? Well, as Administrator, one of my priorities is to quantify the end results from all our programs ... and results are exactly what our Brownfields program has consistently delivered.