Lincoln Chafee: “On March 15, 1996, I wrote to Chairman Lugar to express my concerns about the potential undermining of wetlands…”

“On March 15, 1996, I wrote to Chairman Lugar to express my concerns about the potential undermining of wetlands conservation provisions in the farm bill. Proposals to exempt a vast number of wetlands from the Swampbuster Program and changes to the definition of 'agricultural land' for purposes of wetlands delineations were among the specific concerns raised in my letter. I am pleased to report that Chairman Lugar has responded to these concerns. A letter written by Chairman Lugar upon the completion of the conference states: The bill makes no changes to the existing definition of a wetland, and does not exempt any lands based solely on cropping history or size. Although the report does define 'agricultural lands' for the purpose of implementation of the interagency memorandum of agreement on wetlands delineations, it does not amend Section 404 of the Clean Water Act or require any changes to the 1987 Army Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. I congratulate Chairman Lugar and ranking member Leahy for their efforts in crafting a sound conservation title that will benefit the environment and the economy well into the next century.”