Clean Water Act: Priorities for Offset Policies that Benefit the Environment and Communities

Mitigation programs developed under the Clean Water Act are some of the most robust in the US and in the world. However, more clarity is needed to provide project developers the certainty they need regarding when and how credits will be recognized, where projects should be prioritized and that incentives will support a market for credit demand. A durable WOTUS definition, more robust water quality trading guidance and specific guidance for dam removals will all support the expansion of a market for buyers and sellers of mitigation credits. If implemented, these recommendations will ultimately ensure fewer impacts go unmitigated, and that high quality offsets are developed in advance of impacts.