A contentious Republican bill that would allow developers to fill wetlands without state Department of Natural Resources permits is a step closer to passing the state Assembly.
The Assembly Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform voted 6-3 to approve the bill Thursday. The vote clears the path for a full vote in the chamber.
The bill would let developers fill up to an acre of urban wetlands without a DNR permit as long as the activity doesn’t affect a rare and high-quality wetland. They could fill up to 3 acres per parcel of wetlands outside urban areas without a permit if again the activity doesn’t disturb a rare and high-quality wetland and the project is related to agriculture.
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Conservationists say the measure would lead to the destruction of countless wetland acres, resulting in more flooding and the loss of wildlife habit.
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