The Breaux Act
The passage of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act in 1990 has been a powerful statement about the nation's concern for conserving and restoring coastal wetlands. The Act is called the "Breaux Act," referring to its major author, Senator John Breaux of Louisiana. Because Louisiana faces the most alarming wetland loss rates, the Act's primary focus is on restoration and protection of those wetlands.
Cooperative Care of Wetlands
The Act is specific and succinct. Over its 9-year lifespan the Act gives careful guidance for the restoration of the vital coastal wetlands of Louisiana. It also establishes the Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program to help preserve and restore other coastal wetlands in the United States. Under that program, any coastal state other than Louisiana that "submits a proposal substantial in character and design to carry out a coastal wetlands conservation project" is eligible to receive a matching grant for that project. In addition, it provides funds to further assist states and other wetland conservation programs under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, passed in 1989.
The Breaux Act designates that 70% of its authorized funds go to Louisiana restoration projects, 15% to the Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, and 15% to North American Wetlands Conservation Act projects. But all projects that protect and restore wetlands with Breaux Act funding require non-federal matching contributions, which come from states and private sources, either as cash or in-kind services. By its very nature, the Act encourages partnerships in reducing wetland loss. (See box on page 6 for more information about Breaux Act activities outside of Louisiana.)
The Cost
And where is the money coming from? Taxes on fishing equipment, import duties, and small engine and motorboat fuels are put into various accounts maintained by the Treasury Department. About 18% of those tax revenues are set aside to fund Breaux Act activities, with no more than $100 million each year designated for these activities. Although this amount of money sounds like a lot, one large-scale restoration project alone can cost more than $200 million.
Since 1991, the Breaux Act has provided $33-44 million per year in federal funding for Louisiana restoration projects. For nationwide projects, the Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program and North American Wetlands Conservation Act each receive about $7-9 million per year in federal funds from the Breaux Act. In addition to this critically important funding source, more resources are needed if restoration efforts are to match the scale of coastal wetland loss.