CNN - Clinton proposes tax incentive plan for toxic sites

Clinton proposes tax incentive plan for toxic sites

Accuses Congress of anti-environment campaign

March 11, 1996
Web posted at: 10:55 p.m. EST
HACKENSACK, New Jersey (CNN) -- Blasting GOP environmental policies, President Clinton proposed a $2 billion tax plan Monday to clean up hazardous waste sites.

After touring a Superfund toxic waste site in New Jersey contaminated with PCB's, the president unveiled the plan to offer tax incentives to companies that move onto and clean up contaminated sites.

The seven-year, $2 billion tax incentive plan would spur economic development for sites known as "brownfields," areas less contaminated than those designated Superfund clean-up sites, according to the White House.

There are more than 100,000 designated brownfield sites. The proposed tax plan would cover only those in low-income areas.

Clinton criticized the Republican's Superfund reform proposal and other environmental proposals which he said would let polluters off the hook.

"Congress has mounted the most aggressive anti-environmental campaign in our history, and I am proud that we have stood against it," he said during a speech at Farleigh-Dickinson University during a campaign fundraising swing through New Jersey.

"It is incredible to me now that the environment has, for the first time in a generation, become a source of political division," he added. (382K AIFF sound or 382K WAV sound)
Clinton called on Congress to develop bi-partisan Superfund reform legislation and said he would veto any bills that undermine the environment.

"It will not be a miracle that preserves America's environment and the global environment," he said. "It will be the result of thousands and thousands of people, ultimately millions of people, devoting themselves to a common cause." (176K AIFF sound or 176K WAV sound)
The environment is becoming a critical issue on the campaign trail. In polls, Americans generally side with the president and against Congress in the fight over changes to the nation's environmental laws. Republicans argue that the laws are too restrictive and impede economic growth.

Feedback

Send us your comments.
Selected responses are posted daily.

Clinton proposes tax incentive plan for toxic sites

Accuses Congress of anti-environment campaign

Feedback

| CONTENTS | SEARCH | CNN HOME PAGE | MAIN US NEWS PAGE |