A "Brownfield" is any real property where redevelopment or re-use may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous waste, petroleum, pollutant, or contaminant. On October 23, 2003, Governor Pataki signed into law new legislation initiating a new brownfield cleanup program. The legislation was modeled after the Department of Environmental Conservation's voluntary cleanup program. Read and Laniado, LLP, has experience with the voluntary cleanup program as well as the new legislation. After assisting a client in identifying a brownfield opportunity, R&L advises its clients on how to implement a cleanup program, satisfy regulatory obligations and make the most of the benefits offered under these programs.