Nancy L. Johnson: “this would have a harsh effect on Connecticut where at least 60 percent of the wetlands would be declassified. Though I…”

“this would have a harsh effect on Connecticut where at least 60 percent of the wetlands would be declassified. Though I support the concept of classifying wetlands, this bill sets out criteria for classification not based on sound science, according to the newly released National Academy of Sciences wetlands report. Further, the costs associated with classifying every wetland in the Nation would be staggering. A far less extensive plan to map all flood plain areas, which in Connecticut we have accomplished, wound up taking 10 years in the nation and cost a billion dollars. In contrast, the substitute's wetlands provisions allow the Army Corps greater flexibility in wetlands delineation and encourage states to adopt their own permitting program independent of federal control. It encourages wetlands classification based on science with exceptions only for certain functioning wetlands and certain agricultural lands. State and individuals have had difficulty applying current wetlands laws in recent years, but I am confident that the proposal put together by the States themselves and incorporated in the Saxton-Boehlert substitute addresses these problems effectively.”