March 17, 2010 Edit

in Advocacy, Announcements, Green Infrastructure, National, Water

Advocacy: Green Infrastructure Bill

A new update from the National ASLA Advocacy Network of interest to landscape architects in Oregon.  Learn more about ASLA advocacy and take action on this bill here.

Landmark Green Infrastructure for Water Management legislation Introduced

Dear Advocates: ASLA has been working to raise awareness of the benefits in utilizing green infrastructure to help manage our nation's water issues. Hearing our message, landmark legislation has been introduced in Congress that would provide assistance to communities that want to use landscape architecture techniques to help deal with their stormwater and other water quality issues. H.R. 4202, the Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act would:
  • invest in community-based green infrastructure projects that address water issues
  • establish a green infrastructure program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote the use of green infrastructure and provide technical assistance to states, local governments and the private sector
  • establish up to five Centers for Excellence for Green Infrastructure which would conduct research, develop recommendations, and provide training and technical assistance for implementing green infrastructure best management practices.
Today, stormwater runoff is a serious threat to the nation's waterways and public health, costing Americans hundreds of millions of dollars each year in increased drinking water treatment costs. Fortunately, Congress is recognizing that green infrastructure provides an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sound approach to managing stormwater and reducing combined sewer overflow pollution. Simply click TAKE ACTION and use the provided templates to urge your legislators to support this legislation. If possible, please personalize your letter with examples of water projects that you or your colleagues have worked on. Contact your legislators today and urge them to support this critical legislation that will provide important opportunities for landscape architects! Thank you! Roxanne Blackwell Manager, Federal Affairs

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