Volume 161, No. 53 covering the 1st Session of the 114th Congress (2015 - 2016) was published by the Congressional Record.
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“INTRODUCTION OF THE INNOVATIVE STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE ACT (ISIA) OF 2015” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E486 on April 14, 2015.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE INNOVATIVE STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE ACT (ISIA) OF
2015
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HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS
of maryland
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, a growing threat to water quality throughout the United States (U.S.) is polluted stormwater runoff, flooding, and sewer overflow from highly urbanized areas flowing into surface waters without being treated. This is especially true for Maryland with the Chesapeake Bay and several of its tributaries, including the Anacostia, Patuxent, Potomac, and Severn Rivers that flow through the Fourth Congressional District.
Innovative stormwater solutions, such as permeable pavement, natural drainage swales, and green roofs offer an effective alternative to conventional stormwater infrastructure that has both the flexibility and economic viability to address the challenges of polluted runoff, flooding, and sewer overflows. Unlike traditional stormwater infrastructure, this approach protects, restores, and replicates the natural hydrology of the landscape. Many of these innovative infrastructure practices are more economical, increase property values, and promote jobs to design and implement them.
This week Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and I are proud to reintroduce the Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act (ISIA) of 2015 to help stem this growing crisis in clean water management issues. The bill would:
Promote the use of innovative stormwater solutions within the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water and related programs and provide technical assistance to states, local governments, and the private sector;
Invest in planning, development, and implementation grants for community-based stormwater control projects;
Establish up to five Centers of Excellence in various regions of the U.S. that would conduct research, develop recommendations, and provide training and technical assistance for implementing management practices for stormwater control and management; and
Promote public-private partnerships to create jobs in the design and construction of innovative stormwater control infrastructure.
Our legislation provides an innovative, environmental, and economically cost-effective approach to water management strategies that improve water quality throughout the nation while creating good-
paying jobs for the future. The goals are to:
Improve our nation's ability to manage clean water resources, including drinking water;
Increase research and development of innovative green infrastructure techniques;
Create jobs across diverse sectors, such as plumbing, landscaping and engineering;
Save taxpayer money by reducing the amount of water entering treatment plants, keeping energy costs low and prolonging the life of existing conventional water infrastructure; and
Provide environmental and economic benefits to communities, including reduced flooding and energy use, as well as increased community greenspace and property values.
The Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act has received broad support from water and environmental organizations, including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, American Rivers, the American Society of Landscape Architects, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Water Environment Federation.
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