Bipartisan Water Legislation Advances in Senate

Every two years Congress works to pass water resources legislation, which can authorize billions of dollars in conservation funding for projects that steward and restore many of our nation’s waterways and wetlands. Audubon works to ensure that water conservation projects and programs that benefit birds are included in this biennial legislation, including projects restoring habitat for the Everglade Snail Kite in Florida and the Black Tern in the Great Lakes. This legislation also supports policy decisions that impact important places like the Delaware River Basin and the Mississippi River.

Recently, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously passed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), demonstrating bipartisan support for water infrastructure legislation. Audubon submitted a letter to the Committee supporting many of the provisions in the bill, while advocating for additional support for natural infrastructure projects—“green” solutions like sand dune restoration, wetlands creation, and coastal forests plantings. Natural infrastructure is a win-win for birds and people.

Looking ahead, we anticipate the House of Representatives will release a bill in the next few weeks. Audubon will continue working with both chambers to ensure the final water resources language includes strong support for natural infrastructure and projects that benefit birds and people.