What the ERZ Act Does

1. Establishes Emergency Reform Zones (ERZ)

 Designates heavily contaminated areas based on federal, state, or independent scientific documentation.

2. Ensures Fair Property Reassessment

• Requires reassessment of contaminated properties

• Adjusts property taxes to reflect true market value

• Allows refunds or credits for past overpayment

 

3. Creates a Resident Relief Fund

Provides:

• Tax relief and credits

• Health monitoring support

• Reimbursement for documented contamination-related expenses

 

4. Strengthens Oversight & Transparency

• Requires public access to cleanup data

• Mandates quarterly reporting

• Establishes independent certification of environmental testing when feasible

• Addresses documented oversight challenges within Environmental Protection Agency Region 4

 

5. Maintains Polluter Accountability

Polluters remain fully liable under CERCLA and applicable state laws.

Nothing in this Act weakens existing environmental protections — the strongest public health standard prevails.

 

6. Provides Safe PFAS Household Disposal

• Designated landfill drop-off areas for PFAS-containing items

• Secure storage to prevent further leaching

• Public education and quarterly reporting

• Funded through ERZ allocations and manufacturer reimbursement where feasible