Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease LLP
Ryan D. Elliott
June 1, 2019
The Ohio House of Representatives recently passed a bill (H.B. 168) that provides “bona fide prospective purchasers” (BFPPs) of brownfield properties with an affirmative defense against state lawsuits seeking to impose liability for the cleanup of such properties. To qualify for the liability protection as a BFPP under H.B. 168, a landowner must satisfy the criteria for a similar defense provided under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Specifically, a BFPP must perform “all appropriate inquiries” (see 40 CFR § 312.20) prior to acquiring the property, and demonstrate “no affiliation” with a liable party. CERCLA also requires the BFPP to satisfy certain obligations after acquiring the property including: