Wetland Laws
Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972, Section 404
Requires permits before disposing dredge or fill materials into waters of the United States; protects adjacent wetlands.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Requires federal assessment of impacts to the environment, including wetlands, of any projects proposed by federal agencies; it requires annual report to Congress on the status of the environment.
Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands)
Issued by President Carter, in 1977; forbids federal government construction in wetlands unless no other alternative exists; if construction must occur, it must limit harm to the wetland; also requires agencies to have the public review its plans for any new construction in wetlands.
Executive Order 11988 (Protection of Floodplains)
Issued by President Carter, requires federal agencies to avoid activities in floodplains; also provides incentives to communities that conserve floodplains.
Food Securities Act of 1985 (Swampbuster)
Removes incentives to convert wetlands to cropland.
Coastal Zone Management Act
Establishes importance of preservation, protection, and restoration of coastal lands, including those of the Great Lakes.
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
Requires all federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on wildlife impacts of any projects that involve water.
North American Wetlands Conservation Act
Helps fund wetland conservation projects in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund.
Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act
Funds grants to states to purchase and protect coastal wetlands.
Water Resources Development Act of 1999
Authorizes $200 million for wetlands restoration for flood control.
1990 Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
Establishes Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) to restore wetlands that were converted to cropland before 1985.
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