The Biden Administration Tuesday unveiled its Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap at the UN Climate Conference (COP27) in Egypt. The roadmap details plans initiated under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. According to projections, both laws will invest billions in climate resilient infrastructure and community-level pollution control.

The roadmap primarily employees US government agencies to carry out its goals. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will receive $875 million in grants and loan authority to assist increases in home energy and water use efficiency. The Department of Agriculture is tasked with wetland and grassland conservation improving carbon sequestration. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Transportation and numerous other agencies will receive funds for environmental projects at the community level. Accordingly, projects will emphasize the restoration of natural barriers especially after flooding and other types of climate-driven damage.

Chief among the agencies receiving funds under the roadmap will be the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds will be allocated $23 billion in supplemental funds. The funds will be dispersed to state and local governments to provide safe drinking water. Lack of access to safe drinking water due to deteriorating infrastructure is presently a problem in many US states and cities. Flint, MI, Pittsburgh, PA and Jackson, MS have all recently experienced water safety issues.

However, the actions of government agencies in regulation natural lands is often controversial. The EPA is currently arguing in the US Supreme Court over wetland regulation. The suit alleges EPA’s lack of authority under the Clean Water Act.