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Subcommittee backs bill to codify no‑net‑loss wetlands standard

Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (Subcommittee on Water Usage) · February 24, 2026

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Summary

HB 521, which would place a no‑net‑loss wetlands standard into Virginia code and form a Secretary‑led stakeholder work group to study mitigation for non‑vegetated tidal wetlands, was reported to full committee after supportive testimony from conservation groups.

Delegate Hernandez presented House Bill 521 (with a substitute), telling the subcommittee that wetlands are integral habitat that clean water and protect shorelines and that science indicates some wetlands are at risk. The bill would codify a no‑net‑loss standard for wetlands so mitigation is required when permitted projects impact wetlands, and it would create a stakeholder work group led by the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources to develop mitigation strategies for non‑vegetated tidal wetlands.

Supporters including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Wetlands Watch and Friends of the Rappahannock told the panel the measure provides tools to address headwinds facing wetlands and would assist local wetlands boards. A committee member moved and the subcommittee voted to recommend reporting HB 521; the chair announced the bill will go to full committee later the same day.