VIDEO: Hirono Announces Introduction of Legislation to Study Natural Infrastructure Solutions at Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced the introduction of legislation to research the use of “natural infrastructure,” or naturally occurring landscape, to protect communities from the impact of climate change at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing. The Natural Infrastructure Act of 2022 would require the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Geological Survey to establish a joint Natural Infrastructure Science Program that works with colleges and universities to supply the necessary research on natural infrastructure solutions, and would authorize $44 million in federal funding for the program over the next eleven years. The bill also requires the Secretary of the Interior to annually look at the effectiveness of existing natural infrastructure projects across the country and provide recommendations on future projects. 

“Natural infrastructure, or using nature as a way to reduce natural hazards like erosion and flooding, is becoming an increasingly popular and effective alternative to the more traditional so-called ‘grey’ infrastructure solutions, such as pipes and concrete, throughout our country,” said Senator Hirono during today’s hearing.

Natural infrastructure refers to naturally occurring environmental elements, or man-made systems designed to replicate natural systems, that can be used to achieve some of the same goals as traditional gray infrastructure like pipes and sewage systems. Examples of natural infrastructure include wetlands, coral and oyster reefs, urban forests and green spaces, and sand dunes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) investments in natural infrastructure can save communities $7 for every $1 spent.

Hawaii’s unique geography and abundant coastline make it particularly suitable for natural infrastructure projects. For example, forested watershed lands in Hawaii help keep the surrounding water and air clean, control erosion, and mitigate flooding. A study by the University of Hawaii estimates that the Koolau Mountains, which provide an estimated 135 billion gallons of water to Oahu residents each year, provide up to $14 billion worth of watershed services.

Senator Hirono’s Natural Infrastructure Act would enable additional research to better understand potential uses and limitations of natural infrastructure solutions. Specifically, the bill would:

1. Establish a Joint Natural Infrastructure Science Program and direct USGS and FS to work with colleges and universities to advance natural infrastructure research efforts;
2. Establish a stakeholder advisory group to inform the Secretary of the Interior on appropriate research topics to be assessed by the Joint Natural Infrastructure Science Program;
3. Require the Secretary of the Interior to publish an annual report on no fewer than 30 natural infrastructure projects across the country to assess the cost and effectiveness of the projects; and
4. Authorize $4 million in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2023 through 2033 for both the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to implement the Joint Natural Infrastructure Science Program.

“Natural infrastructure provides a variety of ecosystem benefits—like helping to combat climate change, improving the health of watersheds, and protecting coastal communities,” continued Senator Hirono. “As our communities face the increasing and oftentimes devastating impacts of climate change, natural infrastructure will become an increasingly important tool in our country’s toolbox.”

Senator Hirono’s full remarks can be viewed here. The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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