Bill H.507 proposes amendments to the regulations governing development in wetlands, specifically focusing on Class II wetlands. The bill redefines a Class II wetland to include those not classified as Class I or Class III and either mapped on the Vermont significant wetlands inventory or determined by the Secretary of Natural Resources to require protection. It establishes a 25-foot buffer zone for Class II wetlands located in specific areas such as industrial parks or designated centers and exempts certain construction activities in unmapped Class II wetlands from permitting in these same locations.

Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for the Secretary of Natural Resources to amend the Vermont Wetlands Rules from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026, with the aim of achieving a net gain of wetlands. It also modifies the restoration ratio for adverse effects in wetlands from 2:1 to 1:1 in specified areas, thereby easing the restoration requirements for development projects. Furthermore, the Agency of Natural Resources is tasked with publishing guidance on wetland mitigation and compensation as outlined in the Vermont Wetland Rules.