On March 2, 2022 the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held an Environment Subcommittee hearing to discuss the state of the science related to nature-based infrastructure. The Subcommittee considered environmental, economic, and social co-benefits of nature-based infrastructure and its contribution to resilient communities. They discussed the research, development, and long-term monitoring needed to quantify these co-benefits. Finally, the Subcommittee examined additional federal coordination, investment, and engagement needed to support the implementation of nature-based infrastructure.
Three witnesses provided testimony from federal agencies engaged in implementation of nature-based infrastructure and the underlying science. Watch the testimony here.
- Dr. Steven Thur, Director, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Dr. Sherry Hunt, Supervisory Civil Engineer, Agriculture Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Dr. Todd Bridges, Senior Research Scientist, Environmental Science, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Dr. Bridges was able to share over 10 years of experience from the USACE Engineering With Nature (EWN) program which is the intentional alignment of natural and engineering processes to efficiently and sustainably deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits through collaboration. He was also representing the vast capabilities available at the USACE Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). After the thoughtful questions from committee members and ensuing discussion Dr. Bridges once again affirmed,
The future is bright for Engineering With Nature.
Dr. Todd Bridges, Senior Research Scientist, Environmental Science, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
