Shift NRCS wetlands/erodible compliance to states; limit permanent easements
Mandate seeks to remove NRCS authority to prescribe farm practices for program eligibility in favor of local SWCD plans, devolve wetlands/erodible rules to states, and limit/prohibit new permanent USDA easements.
Mandate
Mandate Ch. 10 (USDA) — Conservation: reform NRCS wetlands and erodible land compliance/appeals—remove NRCS authority to prescribe specific practices for eligibility; require general best-practices plans approved by local SWCDs; support legislation devolving power to states/SWCDs; limit permanent easements and collaborate to prohibit new permanent USDA easements.
Undo plan
1) Keep federal baseline wetlands/erodible safeguards tied to farm-program eligibility.
2) Improve NRCS appeals speed and fairness without ending national standards.
3) Prefer term easements with review clauses over banning conservation easements.
4) Fund SWCD capacity if more local authority is granted.
5) Verify: appeal timelines and wetland acre outcomes.