Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signs new legislation to protect freshwater wetlands

WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- Delaware's Governor signed new legislation to establish a state program to protect freshwater wetlands.

Governor Matt Meyer put pen to paper on Senate Bill 9 Tuesday morning in Wilmington.

The Freshwater Wetlands Stewardship Act is the state's first comprehensive program to protect wetlands.

It also creates a more transparent and efficient permitting process for landowners, businesses and developers.

The new law closes regulatory gaps left by changes to federal policy and strengthens protections for Delaware's natural resources.