Press Release

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment offered by Congressman Jeff Landry (R, LA-03) that prohibits the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) from implementing or enforcing the Modified Charleston Method (MCM) within the state of Louisiana for one year.

The MCM, a methodology that calculates the wetland mitigation a construction project requires, has been adamantly opposed by many Louisiana Parishes for its steep costs and burdensome compliance. Some are concerned the MCM would result in mitigation costs exceeding a project's construction costs.

"As South Louisiana's representative, I understand that coastal restoration and hurricane protection are vital to our survival. Unlike many government bureaucrats in Washington, I know that tripling the costs of our needed projects is not the answer," said Congressman Landry. "My amendment forces the Corps to take a breath, use common-sense, and develop a mitigation system that provides for our wetlands without stifling protection projects. I am thankful the House of Representatives, in a strong bipartisan manner, supported our state and passed my amendment."

"Thanks to Congressman Landry's hard work, parish governments in Louisiana could face one less costly and onerous regulation," said Guy Cormier-- President of St. Martin Parish. "Congressman Landry's amendment would ensure our communities do not have to follow the burdensome MCM. At a time when coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and fiscal responsibility are even more critical than ever, we are grateful to have Congressman Landry fighting for us."