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NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act
2/16/2024, 3:20 PM
Summary of Bill S 1078
Bill 118 s 1078, also known as the NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act, aims to make changes to the way the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) handles wetland compliance and appeals. The bill was introduced in the Senate and is currently under consideration.
The main goal of the bill is to streamline the process for farmers and landowners who are dealing with wetland compliance issues. It seeks to provide more clarity and consistency in how the NRCS determines whether land contains wetlands and how it enforces compliance with wetland regulations.
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of an appeals process for landowners who disagree with the NRCS's determinations regarding wetland compliance. This process would allow landowners to challenge decisions and seek a fair resolution to any disputes. Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve communication between the NRCS and landowners, as well as to provide more transparency in the agency's decision-making process. This is intended to ensure that landowners have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to wetland compliance. Overall, the NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act aims to make the wetland compliance process more efficient and fair for all parties involved. It seeks to strike a balance between protecting wetlands and ensuring that landowners are treated fairly and have the opportunity to appeal decisions that affect their property.
The main goal of the bill is to streamline the process for farmers and landowners who are dealing with wetland compliance issues. It seeks to provide more clarity and consistency in how the NRCS determines whether land contains wetlands and how it enforces compliance with wetland regulations.
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of an appeals process for landowners who disagree with the NRCS's determinations regarding wetland compliance. This process would allow landowners to challenge decisions and seek a fair resolution to any disputes. Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve communication between the NRCS and landowners, as well as to provide more transparency in the agency's decision-making process. This is intended to ensure that landowners have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to wetland compliance. Overall, the NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act aims to make the wetland compliance process more efficient and fair for all parties involved. It seeks to strike a balance between protecting wetlands and ensuring that landowners are treated fairly and have the opportunity to appeal decisions that affect their property.
Congressional Summary of S 1078
NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act
This bill revises provisions related to the wetland certification program at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), including by
- prohibiting the NRCS from acquiring any permanent easement;
- prohibiting USDA from imposing penalties retroactively for newly determined wetlands;
- revising the appeals process of the NRCS for wetland certification requests;
- prohibiting USDA from using new rationale for a wetland determination if a person has previously successfully appealed a final wetland determination;
- establishing that USDA bears the burden of proof, by clear and convincing evidence, that a person has violated certain wetland conservation provisions;
- requiring USDA to establish oversight committees in each state that will oversee the appeals of wetland determinations; and
- requiring that each individual who interacts with the NRCS have the option to participate in a customer satisfaction survey provided by an independent survey company.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 1078
Bill S 1078 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 30, 2023. Bill S 1078 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on March 30, 2023. Bill S 1078's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. as of March 30, 2023
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1078
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
4Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
4Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1078
Primary Policy Focus
Agriculture and FoodAlternate Title(s) of Bill S 1078
NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act
NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act
A bill to require reforms to programs of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and for other purposes.
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of S 1078
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