WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) today announced support for new Senate legislation designed to encourage green infrastructure – a novel, sustainable approach that uses natural systems of trees, plants and soils to manage rainwater instead of the overburdened and outdated infrastructure that currently exists in cities. “Green infrastructure techniques can save cities millions of dollars each year on water management and billions of dollars in infrastructure upgrades. In addition, these natural systems actually remove pollutants from the water while helping clean the air, reduce the urban heat-island effect and lower energy consumption” In most instances, rainwater picks up pollutants as it flows from driveways, parking lots, roofs and roadways before pouring untreated through the sewer system into the nearest watershed or drinking water supply. Introduced by U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act (S 3561) offers grants and technical assistance for communities to use green roofs, rain gardens and other sustainable approaches that naturally capture and clean the rainwater – often preventing the water from ever entering the sewer system. “Green infrastructure techniques can save cities millions of dollars each year on water management and billions of dollars in infrastructure upgrades. In addition, these natural systems actually remove pollutants from the water while helping clean the air, reduce the urban heat-island effect and lower energy consumption,” said ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO, Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA. “We applaud the leadership of Senator Udall for this legislation, and encourage swift action.” The legislation would create between three and five centers around the country to research best green infrastructure practices and provide technical assistance to communities. S 3561 also provides community grants to implement these practices and create a green infrastructure program within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
