California’s Evolving Regulation of Wetlands: Will New Rules Bring Clarity?
Trends, ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources
January/February 2021
Authored by: Keith Garner
California is often seen as a precursor for setting new environmental standards in a variety of fields, including wetlands. The state recently adopted new regulations that define wetlands and permit discharges of dredged or fill material to waters of the state. The objectives of the new rules, which went into effect on May 28, 2020, are to bring clarity and uniformity to the regulation of wetlands by the state and to minimize conflicts with related federal requirements.