The federal government cannot issue a wetland permit if denied by __________.

The federal government cannot issue a wetland permit if denied by the state because state policies and regulations play a crucial role in wetland management and protection. The Clean Water Act, for example, establishes a framework where states have the authority to determine the standards for their waters, including wetlands. If a state denies a permit, it indicates that the proposed action does not comply with state standards or regulations regarding environmental protection, and the federal government is generally expected to respect that decision. This state-level oversight is important as it ensures that local ecological concerns and regulations are taken into account before federal permits are issued. Thus, adherence to state decisions is a fundamental aspect of the regulatory process regarding wetlands.