Scalise Applauds Delay of the Modified Charleston Method in 2015 Appropriations Bill

Statement

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today applauded the inclusion of a provision in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations for 2015 Act that delays a wetland mitigation standard known as the "Modified Charleston Method" (MCM). The legislation will delay the MCM until Sept. 30, 2015.

"The Modified Charleston Method is a radical environmental regulation that stunts economic development in Louisiana," Rep. Scalise said. "I am pleased the 2015 Appropriations Bill includes my amendment to delay this crippling, unrealistic regulation. MCM increases the cost of private development and public works programs, which include critical hurricane protection projects in Louisiana. Wetland mitigation is crucial to the survival of Southeast Louisiana communities, but wetland mitigation, economic development, and improving quality of life should never be mutually exclusive. I am committed to working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to create a wetland mitigation assessment that is both reasonable and achievable for Louisiana residents."

Since implementation of MCM, Rep. Scalise has twice introduced amendments banning the Corps from enforcing MCM, both of which have passed the House unanimously.

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