Breaking News: U.S. House May Vote Today On Bill That Could Cut Federal Funding Of Highway Landscaping Projects

The-CapitolAccording to AmericanHort, the U.S. House of Representatives is debating a multi-year surface transportation bill this week. During the bill’s consideration, Representatives Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) and Richard Hudson (R-NC) may offer an amendment that would eliminate federal funding for all landscaping and vegetation management projects on the nation’s highways and roads.

If adopted, AmericanHort says the Hartzler/Hudson amendment could jeopardize the structural and functional integrity of transportation projects. Currently, trees, shrubs and other plants are often critical components of infrastructure investment. This is because of the tangible value green infrastructure brings in terms of economic, human health and well-being and ecosystem services benefits. Green infrastructure stabilizes soil, filters out air and water pollution, reduces the urban heat island effect and provide visual and noise barriers, making these projects an essential component of transportation investments.

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The amendment would also halt cultivation of pollinator-friendly habitats along the federal rights-of-way, jeopardizing a key opportunity for restoring habitat and pollinator health.

The amendment could be considered as early as Wednesday, Nov. 4.

To voice your opposition to this amendment, you can send a message directly to your U.S. House Representative via AmericanHort’s Voter Voice website.

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