Number: RL30423 Title: WETLANDS REGULATION AND THE LAW OF PROPERTY RIGHTS "TAKINGS" Authors: Robert Meltz, American Law Division Abstract: Federal and state wetlands regulation continues to generate lawsuits claiming that a wetland owner's property has been "taken," and therefore should be compensated. This report reviews the large body of law developed in court decisions in this area, as a backdrop to congressional efforts to reauthorize the federal wetlands permitting program. The report discusses the takings test used when permission to fill a wetland is denied, when mitigation conditions are imposed, and when regulation causes lengthy project delays. Several cross-cutting issues are broken out for separate treatment. Pages: 41 Date: Updated February 17, 2000