                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

WETLANDS POLICY TASK FORCE; REPORT (§ 2.2-220.6)

The Secretary shall establish a wetlands policy task force to (i) evaluate
existing policies regarding wetlands protection, restoration, creation, and
mitigation in the Commonwealth and other states; (ii) recommend policy changes
necessary to accelerate tidal and nontidal wetland identification, restoration,
creation, and protection; and (iii) explore emerging science and innovation to
ensure wetland health and survival. The task force shall report its initial
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 by December 31, 2025, and shall
update such report at least every two years.
		The task force shall meet not less than twice annually to evaluate emerging
science, policy, and best practices. One meeting shall be held jointly with the
Statewide Wetlands Technical Team led by the Department of Wildlife Resources to
allow the Statewide Wetlands Technical Team to review and provide feedback on
the task force&#8217;s proposed recommendations. Membership of the task force
shall include relevant representatives of nonprofit organizations, academic
institutions, the Virginia Farm Bureau, the federal government, local
governments or regional planning commissions, industry, and state entities,
including the Chesapeake Bay Commission, Department of Wildlife Resources,
Department of Environmental Quality, Marine Resources Commission, Department of
Conservation and Recreation, and Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

HISTORY: 2025, c. 647.