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Distinguish Between Wetlands Based on Functions and Values : 



The Coalition believes strongly that all wetlands are not of equal value, 



such that certain activities might be appropriate in some wetlands while inappropriate 



in others. Classify wetlands according to value: high, medium and low. Regulate 



activities in high value wetlands more rigorously than activities in medium and low 



value wetlands. 



Incorporate Mitigation Banking as a Central Element of the Nation's 

 Wetlands Program: 



Compensatory mitigation works. Mitigation banking can be an important 



tool for the creation, preservation, enhancement and restoration of large areas of 



wetlands. Moreover, private mitigation banks can allow individuals and companies to 



profit from environmentally sound activities -- the best incentive for achieving the 



nation's environmental goal. 



Allow States and Local Governments to Implement Wetlands Permitting 

 Programs that are Tailored to Their Situations : 



Congress has intended, since the enactment of the Federal Water 

 Pollution Control Act of 1972, for the Section 404 program to be delegated to the 

 states. Under the rigid "delegation" rules that have been adopted by the EPA, only 

 two states have qualified for the program: Michigan and, just recently, New Jersey. 



Congress should allow states and localities to assume the Section 404 

 permitting program. Additionally, while the states have the program, no Federal 

 agency should retain the power to veto a state permitting decision, as is allowed 



