CRS-72 



5. Executive Order 11990, which requires all Federal agencies to develop 

 policies to enhance wetlands and to take actions to minimize damage to 

 them. 



Still other programs of the Federal government can influence management 

 of wetland areas, but their influence is limited by geography or because wet- 

 lands are not a principal focus of the program. They include activities under 

 the Coastal Zone Management Act, 70/ the Endangered Species Act, the National 

 Flood Insurance Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Air 

 Act, and several programs under other provisions of the Federal Water Pollution 

 Control Act. T\J While these programs are not discussed in this chapter, a more 

 comprehensive list of Federal programs affecting wetlands is presented in 

 Appendix B. This list includes 38 programs in six departments and four agen- 

 cies, illustrating the diversity of programs that can affect wetland resources. 



HISTORY OF NATIONAL INTEREST IN WETLANDS 



The present Federal policy for wetland protection is very different from 

 past policies. Before the middle of this century, the Federal government ex- 

 pressed little interest in wetlands, with the exception of migratory waterfowl 



70 / The Federal Coastal Zone Management program is a good example of how 

 wetlands protection can vary from place to place. Under its provisions, State 

 coastal programs, based on broad criteria, are approved by the Federal Govern- 

 ment. Some States, such as Connecticut and Massachusetts, have extensive wet- 

 land programs which are central to Implementing their State coastal program 

 successfully, but others give minimal attention to wetlands in their coastal 

 programs. One of the most innovative programs, undertaken as a joint effort 

 between North Carolina and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is discussed 

 later in this chapter. 



71/ The Environmental Protection Agency administers a number of pro- 

 grams that can impact wetlands under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. 

 These include section 208 planning grants, section 201 wastewater treatment 

 construction grants, the section 402 permit program (NPDES) for discharge of 

 industrial and municipal wastes; section 106 State water grants; and section 

 311, liability for oil and hazardous substance spills. 



