Look at Rainfall Differently: “The Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2015” introduced in the United States Senate
Note to Reader:
In April 2015, Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Representative Donna Edwards (D-MD) reintroduced legislation to provide critical support for innovative stormwater strategies in the United States, improving the ability of communities to effectively manage polluted runoff and sewage overflows while relieving pressure on aging infrastructure.
Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management
“The Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2015” would promote the use of innovative stormwater infrastructure, provide implementation grants for community-based stormwater control projects, and establish up to five Centers of Excellence throughout the country to conduct research, develop recommendations and provide training and technical assistance for implementing management practices for stormwater control and management.
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), American Rivers, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) have provided technical assistance to the bill’s sponsors and worked to appeal for broad Congressional support.
History
The Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act (H.R. 2030, S. 1115 was introduced in the 112th and the 111th Congress by Rep. Donna Edwards (MD) and Senator Tom Udall (NM). ASLA successfully worked to secure several sponsors for both measures.
On September 28, 2011, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on “Impact of Green Infrastructure 
and Low Impact Development on the Nation’s Water Quality, Economy and Communities,” where David Yocca, FASLA, representing American Society of Landscape Architects, testified on the use of landscape architecture design techniques that address stormwater management while jumpstarting economic development in communities. Both the 112th and the 111th Congress expired before further action was taken on either measure.
To Learn More:
Click on the links below to access a list of resources compiled by the American Society of Landscape Architects:
- S. 1677
- H.R. 3449
- Banking on Green: A Look at How Green Infrastructure Can Save Municipalities Money and Provide Economic Benefits Community Wide
- ASLA Stormwater Case Studies Home
- Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management Summary
- Talking Points-House
- Talking Points-Senate
- Video of David Yocca, FASLA Hearing Testimony
- Rooftops to Rivers II: Green Strategies for Controlling Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows
- Water Works: Rebuilding Infrastructure Creating Jobs Greening the Environment- Green for All, American Rivers, EPI
- Sustainable Communities Resource Center: Green Infrastructure Aims to Reshape Philadelphia
Visit here to learn more about ASLA’s stormwater management resources, including more than 475 green infrastructure case studies and a report on the economic benefits of green infrastructure.
