Three barges in Pool 8 of the Mississippi River at LaCrosse, Wisconsin. More than half the goods consumed by U.S. citizens are produced with water from the Mississippi.
Barges on the Mississippi Three barges in Pool 8 of the Mississippi River at LaCrosse, Wisconsin. More than half the goods consumed by U.S. citizens are produced with water from the Mississippi. © Robert J. Hurt

Newsroom

House Clears Nature-Forward Infrastructure Package

Would heavily invest in resilience, restoration initiatives.

July 01, 2020 | Arlington, VA

Media Contacts

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved new infrastructure legislation that would make significant investments in climate resiliency and efforts to conserve America’s lands, waters and wildlife.  

The following is a statement by Sarah Murdock, director of U.S. resilience and water policy at The Nature Conservancy:

 "Today's vote is a recognition that the infrastructure challenges our country faces will require new and innovative strategies, and that nature must be part of the solution. By emphasizing resiliency to climate change and integrating natural infrastructure, this bill will ensure the roads and bridges we build will be here for future generations. The bill’s move to significantly expand clean energy investments, water infrastructure, ecosystem restoration and maintenance of our federal forest roads system will also benefit the health and well-being of our natural world.

“These steps are long overdue and making them now is an opportunity to help our nation’s economy recover by stimulating jobs and economic development throughout the country. The growing climate and economic crises demand bold action, and this legislation is a significant step in the right direction. We commend the House for advancing this bill and urge representatives to work with their Senate colleagues on legislation that can be signed into law so projects like this can commence as soon as possible.”

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 79 countries and territories, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.