41 



-S- 



with longstanding regulatory definitions. The current Act refers to "wetlands" but 

 does not define the term. 



Finally, the Administration's policy revised the definitions of discharge of 

 dredged and fill material to close regulatory loopholes that allowed wetlands to be 

 drained, ditched, or cleared wrthout a Section 404 permit. The Plan recommends that 

 Congress affirm these definitional changes in legislation. 



Conclusion 



In conclusion, we believe the Administration's reform package represents a 

 tremendous opportunity to move beyond the polarization that has characterized the 

 wetlands policy debate in recent years. We look forward to working closely with the 

 Committee to enact bipartisan legislation that will improve wetlands protection in the 

 United States. Thank you. We will be happy to take any questions you may have at 

 this time. 



