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Federal judge issues ruling that will have major impact on US land use: 'Essential role'

"[The] plaintiff can use its land any way it wants at any time."

"[The] plaintiff can use its land any way it wants at any time."

Photo Credit: Getty Images

In a win for people and the planet, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit aimed at dismantling environmental protections.

Environment America reported that Iowa landowner CTM Holdings filed a lawsuit claiming a conservation law was an illegal "seizure" of land by the government. However, the federal district judge who heard the case felt differently.

According to Environment America, the judge believed CTM Holdings was voluntarily participating in conservation requirements by accepting certain USDA benefits. The article explained that, to receive such incentives, the landowner must not destroy or alter wetlands.

In his dismissal of the case, Environment America reported the judge stating, "[The] plaintiff can use its land any way it wants at any time. The only consequence is a potential loss of certain USDA benefits."

The law in question financially rewards farmers for participating in conservation practices. However, farm owners are free to opt out — but they won't receive those monetary incentives.

The judge's dismissal of the lawsuit is a vital win for people and the planet, much like many other positive developments from around the world. 

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Another case includes a lawsuit where the Estonian Supreme Court halted a project that could have damaged a nature reserve. Or this one, where a federal judge blocked the construction of a gas pipeline in Tennessee.

The Izaak Walton League of America explained that the conservation incentives questioned are taxpayer-funded for that specific purpose. Thus, it would be a misuse of tax dollars to provide it to farmers who did not meet the incentive's requirements.

The group went on to state why these conservation laws are necessary, noting that wetlands have an "essential role in improving water quality, dispersing floodwaters and providing critical habitat for wildlife."

Wetlands play a crucial role in many industries as well as the ecosystem as a whole. They're also found all over the country, from bogs to tidal zones, marshes, and mangroves, explained the U.S. Geological Survey.

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Wetlands can also reduce shoreline erosion, provide recreation, support the fishing industry, and create visual beauty, according to the EPA.

In the league's article, the group stated that the judge "ruled in favor of conservation, water quality and wildlife when he dismissed the plaintiff's claims."

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