Bill > HB357

This bill directs the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to establish a comprehensive work group focused on protecting and preserving Virginia's tidal and nontidal wetlands. The work group will include representatives from nonprofit organizations, academic institutions like the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, local governments, regional planning commissions, and state agencies such as the Department of Wildlife Resources. The group's primary objectives are to develop strategies for protecting existing wetlands and create plans for wetland restoration and creation, specifically addressing potential losses and adverse impacts caused by human activities and climate change. The work group will conduct a thorough evaluation of current wetland conservation strategies within Virginia and other states, identify areas where tidal wetlands can potentially survive and adapt, and investigate how climate changes might affect wetlands' health and long-term survival. By December 1, 2024, the work group is required to submit a detailed report with their findings and recommendations to the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources.

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?251+sum+HB357