The Clinton Administration Wetlands Plan: Accomplishments

The Clinton Administration has already taken a number of actions to implement the Wetlands Plan, including:

• clarified, through regulations, that prior converted croplands are not wetlands under both the Swampbuster and Clean Water Act Programs;
• issued policies that have increased flexibility in wetland permitting and reduced burdens on permit applicants;
• given USDA the responsibility for identifying all wetlands on agricultural lands for both the Swampbuster and Clean Water Act programs;
• made it easier for permit applicants to use mitigation "banks;"
• allowed for greater flexibility in permitting requirements in Alaska, due to the unique circumstances in that State;
• authorized New Jersey to operate its own wetlands program, in place of the Clean Water Act Section 404 program;
• requested increased funding for the Wetlands Reserve Program, to assist farmers who want to restore wetlands; and
• increased funding to States, Tribes, and local governments for wetland program.