The Nature Conservancy: Nature-Focused Water Bill Clears Key Senate Panel

New Milford CT

07 May, 2022

3:22 PM

Description

Press release from The Nature Conservancy: May 4, 2022 Package includes significant investments in natural infrastructure, coastline restoration A biennial water infrastructure proposal that would invest in the restoration of ecosystems and resilience of coastal and inland communities got a bipartisan seal of approval today when it was approved by the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The Senate's proposed Water Resources Development Act – traditionally bipartisan legislation Congress passes every two years – continues past packages' recent focus on natural and nature-based solutions for water-focused infrastructure projects across the country. The proposal places additional emphasis on accounting for climate change when planning and executing projects for flood risk reduction and drought resilience; strengthening technical assistance to local communities for project planning; and advancing ecosystem restoration projects across the country. It would also ease disadvantaged communities' access to federal funds to address challenges ranging from storm surge to flood control to ecosystem degradation. The following is a statement by Jimmy Hague, senior policy advisor at The Nature Conservancy: "Nature can be a powerful tool for solving the challenges facing our coasts, waterways, ecosystems and communities. Leveraging nature-based and natural solutions is an effective approach for managing flooding, storm surge, drought and other impacts. And with these threats growing in a changing climate, the time to invest in these solutions is now. "The Senate's bipartisan Water Resources Development Act will help ensure the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is targeting federal resources to nature-based solutions where they are effective and needed most, including in disadvantaged communities. Conserving and protecting natural resources is a powerful defense against storms and extreme weather events, all while delivering a host of additional environmental and community benefits. "The bill also advances many vital ecosystem restoration projects that will reconnect rivers and wetlands to improve fish and wildlife habitat as well as slow the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species. We urge the Senate to quickly advance this package that will benefit both people and nature." This press release was produced by The Nature Conservancy. The views expressed here are the author's own.