16 USC 3921 – National wetlands priority conservation plan
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish, and periodically review and revise, a national wetlands priority conservation plan which shall specify, on a region-by-region basis or other basis considered appropriate by the Secretary, the types of wetlands and interests in wetlands which should be given priority with respect to Federal and State acquisition.
(b) Consultation
Terms Used In 16 USC 3921
- officer: includes any person authorized by law to perform the duties of the office. See 1 USC 1
- Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
- State: means a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any other territory or possession of the United States. See 1 USC 7
The Secretary shall establish the plan required by subsection (a) after consultation with—
(1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;
(2) the Secretary of Commerce;
(3) the Secretary of Agriculture; and
(4) (the chief executive officer of) each State.
(c) Factors to be considered
The Secretary, in establishing the plan required by subsection (a), shall consider—
(1) the estimated proportion remaining of the respective types of wetlands which existed at the time of European settlement;
(2) the estimated current rate of loss and the threat of future losses of the respective types of wetlands; and
(3) the contributions of the respective types of wetlands to—
(A) wildlife, including endangered and threatened species, migratory birds, and resident species;
(B) commercial and sport fisheries;
(C) surface and ground water quality and quantity, and flood control;
(D) outdoor recreation; and
(E) other areas or concerns the Secretary considers appropriate.