DE SB78

Establishes a Wetlands Advisory Committee composed of 23 members representing agriculture, real estate, environmental organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to develop wetland protection priorities and recommend a comprehensive conservation approach to the General Assembly by December 31, 2014.

Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary to issue after-the-fact permits, letters of authorization, or waivers for activities that occurred without prior approval, with applicants responsible for processing fees and subject to potential penalties.

Consolidates enforcement provisions for non-tidal wetlands (Chapter 66) and tidal wetlands (Chapter 72) violations under the general enforcement procedures in 7 Del. C. §6005, replacing previous separate civil and criminal penalty structures.

Directs the Committee to evaluate permitting processes, consider best practices from other states, and recommend actions to reduce regulatory duplication and improve the state's ability to account for cumulative impacts on wetlands.