A petitioner has requested that the definition of a wetland be altered so as to fit with that of the Corps of Engineers, rather than keeping the current one, established by the US Environmental Protection Agency.  The current definition, written by a federal agency based in both science and law, is sound in both regards. 

Wetlands, as the name suggests, have varying amounts of water, and their capacity to absorb and retain it is critical in helping maintain balance in our ecosystems, especially along the coast.  This capacity will only become more important as storms intensify, as periods of drought and flooding increase.  We rely (more than we acknowledge) on wetlands to regulate soil saturation and water quality.  Narrowing the definition of a wetland puts these precious lands at risk of destruction, not only threatening the ecosystem and the lives therein, but also humans and our infrastructure. 

The Clean Water Act establishes a "baseline" amount of protection, allowing states to enforce stricter standards of water quality.  Virginia has the right to determine what it considers "state waters," and to regulate their condition to a greater degree than the federal government.  The current definition of a wetland is a demonstration of this right.

Please continue to use the current definition of a wetland, as established by the US Environmental Protection Agency, which is in the best interest of the ecosystem and humans alike, in terms of water quality and climate resilience.