---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 U.S.C. § 2316"
title: "33"
title_heading: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
number: "2316"
heading: "Environmental protection mission"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/33/2316"
units:
  - "Chapter 36 — Water Resources Development"
  - "Subchapter V — General Provisions"
---

# §2316. Environmental protection mission

- (a) **General rule—** The [Secretary](/usc/33/426h–1.md?p=2) shall include environmental protection as one of the primary missions of the Corps of Engineers in planning, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining water resources projects.
- (b) **Limitation—** Nothing in this section affects—
  - (1) existing Corps of Engineers’ authorities, including its authorities with respect to navigation and flood control;
  - (2) pending Corps of Engineers permit applications or pending lawsuits involving permits or water resources projects; or
  - (3) the application of public interest review procedures for Corps of Engineers permits.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 101–640, title III, § 306, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4635.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 1990, and not as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 which comprises this chapter.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### “Secretary” Defined

Secretary means the Secretary of the Army, see section 2 of Pub. L. 101–640, set out as a note under section 2201 of this title.