16 USC Ch. 40: SOIL AND WATER RESOURCES CONSERVATION

From Title 16—CONSERVATION

CHAPTER 40—SOIL AND WATER RESOURCES CONSERVATION

Sec.

2001.

Congressional findings.

2002.

Definitions.

2003.

Congressional policy and declaration of purpose.

2004.

Continuing appraisal of soil, water, and related resources.

2005.

Soil and water conservation program.

2005a, 2005b. Repealed.

2006.

Reports to Congress.

2007.

Authorization of appropriations.

2008.

Utilization of available information and data.

2009.

Termination of program.

§2001. Congressional findings

The Congress finds that:

(1) There is a growing demand on the soil, water, and related resources of the Nation to meet present and future needs.

(2) The Congress, in its concern for sustained use of the resource base of the United States, has ensured that the Department of Agriculture possesses information, technical expertise, and a delivery system for providing assistance to land users with respect to conservation and use of soils; plants; woodlands; watershed protection and flood prevention; the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water; animal husbandry; fish and wildlife management; recreation; community development; and related resource uses.

(3) Appraisal and inventory of resources, assessment and inventory of conservation needs, evaluation of the effects of conservation practices, and analyses of alternative approaches to existing conservation programs are basic to effective soil, water, and related natural resource conservation.

(4) Since individual and governmental decisions concerning soil and water resources often transcend administrative boundaries and affect other programs and decisions, a coordinated appraisal and program framework are essential.

(Pub. L. 95–192, §2, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1407; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §246(f)(2)(A), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3225; Pub. L. 110–234, title II, §2804(a), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1086; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title II, §2804(a), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1814.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2008—Par. (2). Pub. L. 110–246, §2804(a)(1), substituted "base of the" for "base, of the".

Pars. (3), (4). Pub. L. 110–246, §2804(a)(2), added par. (3), redesignated former par. (3) as (4), and struck out "Resource appraisal is basic to effective soil and water conservation." before "Since individual".

1994—Par. (2). Pub. L. 103–354 struck out "created the Soil Conservation Service" after "resource base," and substituted ", has ensured that the Department of Agriculture" for "Department of Agriculture which" after "United States".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Short Title

Pub. L. 95–192, §1, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1407, provided: "That this Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977'."

§2002. Definitions

As used in this chapter:

(1) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(2) The term "soil, water, and related resources" means those resources which come within the scope of the programs administered and participated in by the Secretary of Agriculture.

(3) The term "soil and water conservation program" means a set of guidelines for attaining the purposes of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 95–192, §3, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1407; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §246(f)(2)(B), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3225.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Par. (2). Pub. L. 103–354 struck out "through the Soil Conservation Service" after "Agriculture".

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of Agriculture, insofar as they involve lands and programs under jurisdiction of that Department, related to compliance with this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(f), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93 Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1, 1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System abolished and functions and authority vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by section 720d(f) of Title 15.

§2003. Congressional policy and declaration of purpose

(a) Responsiveness to long-term needs

In order to further the conservation of soil, water, and related resources, it is declared to be the policy of the United States and purpose of this chapter that the conduct of programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture for the conservation of such resources shall be responsive to the long-term needs of the Nation, as determined under the provisions of this chapter.

(b) Full utilization of cooperative arrangements with State and tribal agencies

Recognizing that the arrangements under which the Federal Government cooperates with State and tribal soil and water conservation agencies and other appropriate State and tribal natural resource agencies such as those concerned with forestry and fish and wildlife and, through conservation districts, with other local units of government and land users, have effectively aided in the protection and improvement of the Nation's basic resources, including the restoration and maintenance of resources damaged by improper use, it is declared to be the policy of the United States that these arrangements and similar cooperative arrangements should be utilized to the fullest extent practicable to achieve the purpose of this chapter consistent with the roles and responsibilities of the non-Federal agencies, landowners and land users.

(c) Attainment of policies and purposes

The Secretary shall promote the attainment of the policies and purposes expressed in this chapter by—

(1) appraising on a continuing basis the soil, water, and related resources of the Nation;

(2) developing and updating periodically a program for furthering the conservation, protection, and enhancement of the soil, water, and related resources of the Nation consistent with the roles and program responsibilities of other Federal agencies and State, tribal, and local governments; and

(3) providing to Congress and the public, through reports, the information developed pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, and by providing Congress with an annual evaluation report as provided in section 2006 of this title.

(Pub. L. 95–192, §4, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1407; Pub. L. 113–79, title II, §2508(a), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 756.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–79, §2508(a)(1), inserted "and tribal" after "State" in two places in text.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 113–79, §2508(a)(2), inserted ", tribal," after "State".

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of certain enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of Agriculture under this chapter to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, and subsequent transfer to Secretary of Energy, then to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects, see note set out under section 2002 of this title.

§2004. Continuing appraisal of soil, water, and related resources

(a) Data

In recognition of the importance of and need for obtaining and maintaining information on the current status of soil, water, and related resources, the Secretary is authorized and directed to carry out a continuing appraisal of the soil, water, and related resources of the Nation. The appraisal shall include, but not be limited to—

(1) data on the quality and quantity of soil, water, and related resources, including fish and wildlife habitats;

(2) data on the capability and limitations of those resources for meeting current and projected demands on the resource base;

(3) data on the changes that have occurred in the status and condition of those resources resulting from various past uses, including the impact of farming technologies, techniques, and practices;

(4) data on current Federal, State, and tribal laws, policies, programs, rights, regulations, ownerships, and their trends and other considerations relating to the use, development, and conservation of soil, water, and related resources;

(5) data on the costs and benefits of alternative soil and water conservation practices;

(6) data on alternative irrigation techniques regarding their costs, benefits, and impact on soil and water conservation, crop production, and environmental factors; and

(7) data on conservation plans, conservation practices planned or implemented, environmental outcomes, economic costs, and related matters under conservation programs administered by the Secretary.

(b) Collection of data

The appraisal shall utilize data collected under this chapter and pertinent data and information collected by the Department of Agriculture and other Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies and organizations. The Secretary shall establish an integrated system capable of using combinations of resource data to determine the quality and capabilities for alternative uses of the resource base and to identify areas of local, State, tribal, and National concerns and related roles pertaining to soil and water conservation, resource use and development, and environmental improvement.

(c) Public participation

The appraisal shall be made in cooperation with conservation districts, State and tribal soil and water conservation agencies, and other appropriate citizen groups, and local, tribal, and State agencies under such procedures as the Secretary may prescribe to insure public participation.

(d) Evaluation of appraisal

In conducting the appraisal described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall concurrently solicit and evaluate recommendations for improving the appraisal, including the content, scope, process, participation in, and other elements of the appraisal, as determined by the Secretary.

(e) Completion dates

The Secretary shall conduct comprehensive appraisals under this section, to be completed by December 31, 2010, December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2022. The Secretary may make such additional interim appraisals as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(Pub. L. 95–192, §5, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1408; Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1252(a), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1516; Pub. L. 110–234, title II, §2804(b), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1086; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title II, §2804(b), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1814; Pub. L. 113–79, title II, §2508(b), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 756; Pub. L. 115–334, title II, §2402(1), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4570.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–334 substituted "December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2022" for "and December 31, 2015".

2014—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 113–79, §2508(b)(1), substituted ", State, and tribal" for "and State".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–79, §2508(b)(2), inserted ", tribal" after "State" in two places.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–79, §2508(b)(3), substituted "State and tribal soil" for "State soil" and "local, tribal," for "local".

2008—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 110–246, §2804(b)(1), added par. (7).

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 110–246, §2804(b)(2)–(4), added subsec. (d), redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e), and substituted "The Secretary shall conduct comprehensive appraisals under this section, to be completed by December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2015." for "The Secretary shall conduct four comprehensive appraisals under this section, to be completed by December 31, 1979, December 31, 1986, December 31, 1995, and December 31, 2005, respectively."

1985—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–198 amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: "The appraisal shall be completed by December 31, 1979, and at each five-year interval thereafter during the period this chapter is in effect."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§2005. Soil and water conservation program

(a) Program development

The Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to develop in cooperation with and participation by the public through conservation districts, State, tribal, and national organizations and agencies, and other appropriate means, a national soil and water conservation program (hereinafter called the "program") to be used as a guide in carrying out the activities of the Secretary which assist landowners and land users, at their request, in furthering soil and water conservation on the private, tribal, and non-Federal lands of the Nation. The program shall set forth direction for future soil and water conservation efforts of the United States Department of Agriculture based on the current soil, water, and related resource appraisal developed in accordance with section 2004 of this title, taking into consideration both the long- and short-term needs of the Nation, the landowners, and the land users, and the roles and responsibilities of Federal, State, tribal, and local governments in such conservation efforts. The program shall also include but not be limited to—

(1) analysis of the Nation's soil, water, and related resource problems;

(2) analysis of existing Federal, State, tribal, and local government authorities and adjustments needed;

(3) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the soil and water conservation ongoing programs and the overall progress being achieved by Federal, State, tribal, and local programs and the landowners and land users in meeting the soil and water conservation objectives of this chapter;

(4) identification and evaluation of alternative methods for the conservation, protection, environmental improvement, and enhancement of soil and water resources, in the context of alternative time frames, and a recommendation of the preferred alternatives and the extent to which they are being implemented;

(5) investigation and analysis of the practicability, desirability, and feasibility of collecting organic waste materials, including manure, crop and food wastes, industrial organic waste, municipal sewage sludge, logging and wood-manufacturing residues, and any other organic refuse, composting, or similarly treating such materials, transporting and placing such materials onto the land to improve soil tilth and fertility. The analysis shall include the projected cost of such collection, transportation, and placement in accordance with sound locally approved soil and water conservation practices;

(6) analysis of the Federal and non-Federal inputs required to implement the program;

(7) analysis of costs and benefits of alternative soil and water conservation practices; and

(8) investigation and analysis of alternative irrigation techniques regarding their costs, benefits, and impact on soil and water conservation, crop production, and environmental factors.

(b) Evaluation of existing conservation programs

In evaluating existing conservation programs, the Secretary shall emphasize demonstration, innovation, and monitoring of specific program components in order to encourage further development and adoption of practices and performance-based standards.

(c) Improvement to program

In developing a national soil and water conservation program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall solicit and evaluate recommendations for improving the program, including the content, scope, process, participation in, and other elements of the program, as determined by the Secretary.

(d) Completion dates

The initial program shall be completed not later than December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2016, and a program update shall be completed by December 31, 2023.

(Pub. L. 95–192, §6, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1409; Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1252(b), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1516; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §246(f)(2)(C), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3225; Pub. L. 110–234, title II, §2804(c), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1087; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title II, §2804(c), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1815; Pub. L. 113–79, title II, §2508(c), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 756; Pub. L. 115–334, title II, §2402(2), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4571.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–334 substituted "December 31, 2016, and a program update shall be completed by December 31, 2023" for "December 31, 2016, respectively".

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–79 inserted ", tribal," after "conservation districts, State" and ", tribal," after "private" in introductory provisions, and ", tribal" after "Federal, State" wherever appearing.

2008—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 110–246, §2804(c), added subsecs. (b) and (c), redesignated former subsec. (b) as (d), and substituted "December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2016" for "December 31, 1979, and program updates shall be completed by December 31, 1987, December 31, 1997, and December 31, 2007".

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–354 in first sentence of introductory provisions substituted "Secretary" for "Soil Conservation Service" before "which assist".

1985—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–198 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "The program plan shall be completed not later than December 31, 1979, and be updated at each five-year interval thereafter during the period this chapter is in effect."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§2005a. Repealed. Pub. L. 104–127, title III, §336(e), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1007

Section, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1251, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1516, related to technical assistance for water resources.

§2005b. Repealed. Pub. L. 107–171, title II, §2502(b), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 267

Section, Pub. L. 104–127, title III, §386, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1017, related to conservation of private grazing land. See section 3839bb of this title.

§2006. Reports to Congress

(a) Appraisal

Not later than the date on which Congress convenes in 2011, 2016, and 2022, the President shall transmit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate the appraisal developed under section 2004 of this title and completed before the end of the previous year.

(b) Program and statement of policy

Not later than the date on which Congress convenes in 2012, 2017, and 2023, the President shall transmit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate—

(1) the initial program or updated program developed under section 2005 of this title and completed before the end of the previous year;

(2) a detailed statement of policy regarding soil and water conservation activities of the Department of Agriculture; and

(3) a special evaluation of the status, conditions, and trends of soil quality on cropland in the United States that addresses the challenges and opportunities for reducing soil erosion to tolerance levels.

(c) Improvements to appraisal and program

Not later than the date on which Congress convenes in 2012, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the plans of the Department of Agriculture for improving the resource appraisal and national conservation program required under this chapter, based on the recommendations received under sections 2004(d) and 2005(c) of this title.

(Pub. L. 95–192, §7, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1410; Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1252(c), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1516; Pub. L. 110–234, title II, §2804(d), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1087; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title II, §2804(d), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1815; Pub. L. 115–334, title II, §2402(3), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4571.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–334, §2402(3)(A), substituted "2011, 2016, and 2022" for "2011 and 2016".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–334, §2402(3)(B), substituted "2012, 2017, and 2023" for "2012 and 2017" in introductory provisions.

2008—Pub. L. 110–246, §2804(d), amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to transmission of appraisal developed under section 2004 of this title at the time Congress convened in 1980, 1987, 1996, and 2006, transmission of program developed under section 2005 of this title and statement of policy at the time Congress convened in 1980, 1988, 1998, and 2008, and annual report on program effectiveness.

1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–198, §1252(c)(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: "On the first day Congress convenes in 1980 and at each five-year interval thereafter during the period this chapter is in effect the President shall transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, the appraisal and the program as required by sections 2004 and 2005 of this title, together with a detailed statement of policy regarding soil and water conservation activities of the United States Department of Agriculture."

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 99–198, §1252(c)(2), (3), struck out subsec. (b) which provided for an annual report of program and policy achievement, and redesignated subsec. (c) as (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Executive Documents

Delegation of Reporting and Other Authorities

Memorandum of President of the United States, Feb. 14, 2011, 76 F.R. 9493, provided:

Memorandum for the Secretary of Agriculture

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the functions and authority conferred upon the President by section 7 of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 (16 U.S.C. 2006), as amended by section 2804 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, to make the specified reports to the Congress.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Barack Obama.

§2007. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 95–192, §8, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1411.)

§2008. Utilization of available information and data

In the implementation of this chapter, the Secretary shall utilize information and data available from other Federal, State, tribal, and local governments, and private organizations and he shall coordinate his actions with the resource appraisal and planning efforts of other Federal agencies and avoid unnecessary duplication and overlap of planning and program efforts.

(Pub. L. 95–192, §9, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1411; Pub. L. 113–79, title II, §2508(d), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 756.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Pub. L. 113–79 inserted ", tribal" after "State".

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of certain enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of Agriculture under this chapter to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, and subsequent transfer to Secretary of Energy, then to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects, see note set out under section 2002 of this title.

§2009. Termination of program

The provisions of this chapter shall terminate on December 31, 2023.

(Pub. L. 95–192, §10, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1411; Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1252(d), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1517; Pub. L. 110–234, title II, §2804(e), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1088; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title II, §2804(e), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1816; Pub. L. 115–334, title II, §2402(4), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4571.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–334 substituted "2023" for "2018".

2008—Pub. L. 110–246, §2804(e), substituted "2018" for "2008".

1985—Pub. L. 99–198 substituted "2008" for "1985".