Restoration Economy Center 2022 Year in Review
For many, January is a time of both reflecting back and looking forward. At the Restoration Economy Center, we too are reflecting back on 2022 - our launch year! - and we’re excited to share our progress on our mission to increase the scale an speed of high-quality, equitable restoration outcomes through policy change. Here, we’re highlighting our top 5 moments of 2022, and ICYMI, scroll down for a full list of all our reports, blogs, and comment letters from 2022.
Do you have ideas about Pay for Success for environmental restoration? Do you want to keep more restoration funds for restoration rather than paperwork? We welcome insights and opportunities to collaborate in 2023! becca [@] policyinnovation.org
Top 5 Moments of 2022
1. Maryland Passed the Conservation Finance Act with Bipartisan Support
The law marks the first time that any state has authorized a type of contract that can pay for environmental outcomes the same way they purchase computers (read our press release). Through research on other potential opportunities and knowledge-sharing, we've heard from other states and will be working in 2023 with legislators interested in replicating the CFA.
2.
The Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’ is in Flux
A Supreme Court case about the definition of 'Waters of the United States' may not be the end of protections for wetlands. The Restoration Economy Center tracked developments and implications for the restoration economy in a 3-part blog series. Part 1 - background, Part 2 - perspectives from stakeholders in the restoration economy, Part 3 - summary of SCOTUS oral arguments, and bonus Buzzfeed quiz: Is it WOTUS after SCOTUS?
We’re continuing coverage in 2023, including coverage of the Biden Administration’s December 30th 2022 Rule re-defining WOTUS.
4. Getting Government Funding Out the Door Faster
We voiced our opinions on how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) & Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding can be better spent with innovations in procurement through publications, blog posts, and public comments.
5. We Launched the Restoration Economy Center!
Our vision, a world where environmental restoration outpaces environmental impacts is a big one. We're excited to take this work to the next level in the near future. If you are interested in supporting our growth, please reach out to Phoebe Higgins (phiggins@policyinnovation.org).
In Case You Missed It…
Our 2022 Year in Review report shares our work highlights and a links to all of our reports, blogs, and comment letters.
