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Wetlands reform bill draws opposition from environmental groups, mitigation‑banking firms
Summary
Sponsoring lawmakers told the Rules Committee the wetlands package would streamline permitting by aligning some definitions with federal standards and allowing off‑site mitigation; environmental groups and mitigation‑banking firms warned it could remove protections for as much as 1,000,000 acres, increase flood risk and destabilize private mitigation investment.
Representative Alexander presented a package of bills intended to streamline wetland permitting and mitigation, saying the measures provide "clear, flexible pathways for meeting mitigation requirements" including prioritizing mitigation bank credits, allowing phased mitigation schedules and temporary mitigation credits, and permitting off‑site mitigation and relocation where appropriate. He said the substitute incorporates provisions to reduce rigid, one‑size‑fits‑all mandates and to focus financial assurance requirements on…
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