NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act
Key claim: This bill would overhaul the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service appeals process for wetland certifications, establish state-level oversight committees for wetland determination appeals, and prohibit NRCS from acquiring permanent conservation easements.
Abstract
(S4931 · 117th Congress) NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act This bill revises provisions related to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), including by (1) revising the appeals process of the NRCS for wetland certification requests, (2) requiring USDA to establish oversight committees in each state that will oversee the appeals of wetland determinations, and (3) prohibiting the NRCS from acquiring any permanent easement. Latest action (2022-09-22): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Why this matters
For farmers disputing NRCS wetland determinations, the proposal would change the appeals process and add state-level oversight, while its easement provision would restrict NRCS’s ability to acquire permanent conservation easements. The finding establishes introduction in the 117th Congress, not enactment, and provides no demonstrated effects on consumers or food prices.