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EPA and Army Corps Publish Supplemental WOTUS Rulemaking Notice

EPA and Army Corps Publish Supplemental WOTUS Rulemaking Notice On September 9, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the updated definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The notice reopens comment on a handful of specific definitions from the agencies’ November 2025 proposal, while leaving the rest of that proposal unchanged. The comment period closes October 9, 2026. What’s Being Reconsidered The Supplemental Notice seeks input

Florida Commits $1.4 Billion to Everglades Restoration in 2025–26 Budget

Florida Invests $1.4 Billion in Everglades Restoration and Water Quality Improvements for Fiscal Year 2025–26 The State of Florida is once again demonstrating strong leadership in environmental stewardship. As part of the newly approved 2025–26 state budget, more than $1.4 billion has been committed to Everglades restoration and water quality improvements, marking one of the largest single-year investments in the region’s history. This brings the total environmental investment during Governor DeSantis’s second term to an impressive $4.6 billion. These funds are

Governor DeSantis Signs SB 492: A Victory for Mitigation Banking and Credit Availability in Florida

Florida’s Mitigation Banking Bill Signed Into Law: What SB 492 Means for Credit Supply, Markets, and MBG Clients On June 26, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 492 (CS/CS/SB 492) into law, a significant win for Florida’s mitigation banking industry and a welcome solution for persistent credit deficiencies in constrained watersheds. This legislative update provides much-needed clarity, stability, and flexibility for mitigation credit releases, while also addressing how credits can be used across regional watershed boundaries when supply falls short.

Permitting a Wetland Mitigation Bank in Florida: What You Need to Know

Wetland mitigation banking is one of Florida’s most effective tools for restoring, protecting, and enhancing vital wetland ecosystems while providing compensatory mitigation for permitted impacts. However, permitting a wetland mitigation bank in Florida is a detailed, resource-intensive process that requires careful planning, technical expertise, and long-term commitment. Mitigation banks are regulated through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) or one of the five Water Management Districts (WMDs), and may also involve the U.S. Army Corps

2025 WOTUS Guidance: Clarifying “Continuous Surface Connection” Under the Clean Water Act

New 2025 WOTUS Guidance Defines “Continuous Surface Connection” in Light of Sackett Decision On March 12, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army jointly issued a new memorandum clarifying how the “continuous surface connection” (CSC) standard should be applied when determining jurisdictional wetlands under the Clean Water Act. This 2025 WOTUS Guidance aims to bring national consistency and clarity to a critical question: When is a wetland considered adjacent to waters of the United

Trimming Mangroves in Florida: What Homeowners Need to Know to Stay Compliant

A Homeowner’s Guide to Trimming Mangroves in Florida Without Breaking the Law Mangroves are one of Florida’s most valuable natural resources. They stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and serve as essential habitat for fish and wildlife. But trimming them incorrectly or without proper authorization can cause environmental harm and result in costly penalties. That’s why Florida passed the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, which regulates the cutting and alteration of mangroves to preserve their ecological value. If you’re

Environmental Consulting Services Market to Hit $80.76B by 2030: What it Means for Ecological Restoration

Global Environmental Consulting Services Surge Toward $80.76B by 2030: A New Era for Strategic Environmental Solutions   The Environmental Consulting Services Market is accelerating rapidly, projected to grow from $56.17 billion in 2025 to $80.76 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.55%. This growth reflects a global shift toward strategic, data-driven, and sustainability-aligned environmental practices. The U.S. Leads with Policy and Private Investment The United States continues to lead growth across the Americas, thanks to a

Florida Urban Forestry Council Webinar Featuring Victoria Bruce

Upcoming Webinar: Wetland Mitigation Banking in Florida Hosted by the Florida Urban Forestry Council (FUFC) Event Details: 📅 Date: Friday, June 27, 2025 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET 📍 Location: Virtual (Live Webinar via FUFC) 🎙️ Presenter: Victoria K. Bruce, CEO & Founder, The Mitigation Banking Group, Inc. 💻 Registration: FUFC Webinar Registration 💵 Cost: Free for Members to Watch (No CEUs) Members with CEUs – $10 Become an FUFC Member + CEU Access – $30 Non-Member Rate with CEUs – $40 Webinar Overview: Join Victoria K. Bruce of

Federal Agencies Propose Narrowing Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act

Proposed Change to “Harm” Definition Could Impact ESA Protections and Conservation Banking As mitigation bankers and conservation professionals, we keep a close watch on federal regulatory changes. A new proposal from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and NOAA Fisheries deserves your full attention. On April 17, 2025, the agencies published a proposed rule to revise the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If finalized, this change would narrow the circumstances under which habitat modification is considered

Regulatory Insights April 2025: How Pending Decisions Could Reshape the Mitigation Banking Industry

April 2025 Regulatory Insights: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Mitigation Banking As we move through the second quarter of 2025, several major regulatory decisions are taking shape, each with the potential to significantly impact how we approach environmental permitting, credit sales, and long-term mitigation banking strategies. I believe staying ahead of these changes is key to protecting your investments and continuing our shared mission of preserving critical ecosystems. Here are four important updates to keep on your radar: 1. Redefining “Waters of