Policy Memo to Promote GI

Policy Memo to Promote GI

Aiming to create healthier urban environments, this EPA policy memo by director Andrew D. Sawyers Ph.D. calls to attention the local and national limitations to our current green infrastructure state. Concerning stormwater and other causes of water pollution, since 2009 the EPA has used state revolving funds, currently running 51 CWSRF programs, to sustain long term financing of public and private infrastructure projects. Green infrastructure’s reduction of stormwater discharges helps decrease water pollution. Additional benefits include reducing urban heat island impacts, decreasing energy use, and improvin air quality. CWSRF programs have been successful in implementing GPR prjects thus far, alotting $3.8 billion in water reuse, energy efficient equipment, and natural systems for mitigating storm surge since 2010. For best results, the EPA will track states’ progress, and recognize high quality successful programs with awards. The EPA recommends incentivizing green infrastructure projects by offering additional subsidization and interest rate reductions, as well as utilizing the prioritization and marketing best practices stated.