More than 4,000 contaminated and abandoned industrial sites around the country could be poised to benefit from legislation that would create new incentives for utilities to place solar arrays and other clean energy systems on them.

Under legislation introduced this week by Senator Frank Lautenberg, utilities could get triple credits toward a national renewable energy standard if they build clean power arrays on brownfields. The arrays could include photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and other technologies.

"Placing wind farms, solar panels, and other renewable energy projects on brownfield sites is a win-win for local communities and the environment," said Lautenberg, also noting that these sites tend to drag down local property values.

In his announcement, Lautenberg noted that separate legislation pending before the Senate would establish a national renewable electricity standard requiring states to derive 15 percent of their power from renewable sources.

Lautenberg's office also cited research data showing that at the present time, only about 1.4 percent of brownfield sites are redeveloped in any given year.