CRS-99 



In a statement accompanying this order, President Carter noted, "The prob- 

 lem of loss of wetlands arises mainly from unwise land use practices." 140/ The 

 Federal government can cause or influence such practices in several ways, in- 

 cluding actual construction, management of its own properties, and provision 

 of financial or technical assistance. The intention of the Order, he said, 

 was to insure that Federal agencies avoid actions having both short and long- 

 term adverse impacts on wetlands. 



Another environmental protection Executive Order issued at the same time 

 was E.O. 11988 concerning floodplain management. This Order establishes a 

 step-by-step procedure to evaluate and minimize flood hazards by seeking prac- 

 tical alternatives. If none exists, the required analysis is extensive, and 

 provides for review and consultation by several agencies. Because most wet- 

 lands are situated in floodplains, implementation of both Executive Orders has 

 been virtually identical. According to the Water Resources Council, which was 

 required to evaluate the effectiveness of the Orders, by May 1981, all but a 

 few of the Federal agencies had issued joint regulations to implement both 

 Orders in interim or final form. Based on limited analysis, it appears that 

 the requirement in both Orders to consider all practicable alternatives prior 

 to a construction activity has proven cost-effective (by preventing activities 

 that would damage wetland areas). 141 / 



The actions of the Bureau of Land Management are perhaps typical of agency 

 responses. The Bureau developed and issued, in draft form in 1978 and in final 



140 / U.S. President, 1977-1981 (Carter). Protection of Wetlands. 

 Statement by the President accompanying Executive Order 11990. Weekly Com- 

 pilation of Presidential Documents, v. 3, no. 22, May 30, 1977. p. 808. 



141 / Thomas, Frank. Progress Report. Implementation of Executive Order 

 11988, Floodplain Management, June 1, 1981. Washington, U.S. Water Resources 

 Council. Unpublished report. 



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