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Environmental Attorney Margaret Strand of Venable LLC briefs Land Use and Resources Team members on the latest wetlands issues and cases |
As we quickly approached the end of our first official day of Cap-to-cap, it is amazing to see the progress our teams have already made. Not wasting any time while here in our nation's capital, the Metro Chamber Land Use and Natural Resources Team met for an interesting and thought-provoking update--a Hot Topics Breakfast--on the policies, regulations and cases that are currently facing our wetlands.
Margaret Strand of Venable LLC--named a leading a Washington Environmental Lawyer in the 2005, 2006, and 2007 issues of the Washingtonian Magazine--spoke to the group. The meeting information was presented in a "Top Ten List," naming some of the most important issues facing wetland policy today. Three of the items on the list were post-Rapanos related issues, which is uncharted territory this year since the ruling is less than two years old. Since the United States Supreme Court's decision
on the Rapanos case in June of 2006, there has been little precedence set on the standards and jurisdiction of wetlands, as well as dry wash.
Another issue on the radar of the Land Use and Natural Resources committee for some time will be WRDA 2007 and the "Corps Reform" package, which will have an impact on project planning. There will also be changes with mitigation regulations and provisions, as well as Farm Bill Provisions, including financial incentives. All of the issues addressed by Strand are topics that are looming on the horizon.
As the day-to-day action continues on Capitol Hill, there is no doubt that there will be a major developments with all of these key issues. None the less, after providing the LUNR Team with a broad overview of what topics will be coming down the pipe, Strand reminded the team of one very important fact. She said that our delegation's advocacy on Capitol Hill over the next three days will no doubt have a positive affect on our region as a whole. |
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Sunday, April 6
Hot Topics Breakfast:
Land Use and Resources Team
briefing on Wetlands Issues
by Environmental Attorney Margaret Strand of Venable LLC.
Sunday Night Chairman's Reception
Lafayette Center
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