Strategic Agenda to Protect Waters and Build More Livable Communities Through Green Infrastructure

摘要

Supporting the work of local communities to improve their environment, protect public health and build greener, more economically vibrant communities is a key Administration priority. Green infrastructure (GI), protecting and restoring natural landscape features and using natural systems (or systems engineered to mimic natural processes) to manage rain water as a resource, is a win-win-win approach and a fundamental component of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) sustainable community efforts. By helping urban communities manage stormwater, while also providing additional benefits such as increased recreational space and improved pedestrian safety, communities can be made both more attractive and livable. EPA supports expanded use of green infrastructure to protect and restore waters while creating more environmentally and economically sustainable communities. This Strategic Agenda to Protect Waters and Build More Livable Communities Through Green Infrastructure outlines key near-term activities to help make green infrastructure an available tool for meeting Clean Water Act requirements in sewer permitting and plans, enforcement orders and consent decrees, and other areas.