EPA Revises Brownfields Reporting in ACRES System for Easier Tracking
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA is updating how folks report progress on cleaning up and redeveloping Brownfields—those tricky, unused lands with pollution history—using their ACRES system. This change affects communities, local governments, and cleanup teams who share info with the EPA. They’re asking for public feedback by February 17, 2026, and the update aims to keep reporting smooth without extra costs or hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher reporting burden and costs
If your organization receives EPA Brownfields cooperative agreements or contracts, EPA estimates a total reporting burden of 11,546 hours per year and total annual respondent costs of $1,622,965. The agency reports an increase of 7,738 hours compared with the prior approval period.
New electronic ACRES forms reduce time
EPA is adding six new electronic quarterly and annual reporting forms in the ACRES system and enabling prefilled fields for five cooperative agreement types. EPA says these ACRES features will save recipients significant time compared with completing progress reports outside ACRES.
Small technical contractors exempt from ICR approval
Technical assistance contractors will report using only one of the twelve ACRES forms, and because fewer than 10 contractors report, EPA states ICR approval is not required for that single form.
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