Stimulating the Future of Superfund: Why the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Calls for a Reinstatementof the Superfund Tax to Polluted Sites in Urban Environments

The “polluter pays” principle is a cornerstone of environmental policy and rationalizes Superfund cleanup efforts. However, the expiration of Superfund taxes has undermined these efforts in urban environments. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) has provided stimulus funds to create jobs and reinvigorate cleanups. These temporary funds have demonstrated that, given sufficient financial resources, Superfund remains a viable solution to urban pollution. Superfund taxes should be reinstated long-term to ensure the vitality of the nation’s urban areas