| Cities across the United States are looking for new effective, low cost strategies that will grow their economies. The implementation of green infrastructure and other types of urban greening are one of the most effective ways to improve quality of life, attract new business, generate economic development and improve the general environment. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz has introduced the Green Communities Act, H.R. 2222, to do just that. The bill authorizes $120 million in funding for community-based greening in cities. See the Act itself here. The Act delivers on well documented findings which show that greening is a wise investment and sound economic development policy. Accordingly, the Act is planned to be authorized by the Secretary of Commerce and delivered through the Economic Development Administration. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Northeast Midwest Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Philadelphia Congressional Delegation including Representatives Brady, Schwartz and Fattah as well as The City of Philadelphia hosted a Field Hearing on the legislation in late May 2009. The event was generously supported by the William Penn Foundation. See the field testimony here. For information about The Bill, to join its coalition of supporters, and if you are willing to write a letter of support please email info@greencommunitiesact.org RESOURCES
BILL: Green Communities Act (172kb) BILL: Summary (60kb) U.S. Representative Schwartz May 18, 2009 Press Release (28kb) Economic Benefits of Greening (40kb) Field Hearing Testimony: May 18th, 2009 (520kb)
"Nurturing the Green Economy" by Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (104kb) |
COALITION MEMBERS
LETTERS OF SUPPORT
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