Bush adopts new guidelines for wetlands replacement

WASHINGTON - President Bush&#39;s new guidelines for replacing wetlands emphasize quality over quantity. <br> <br> The plan outlined Thursday was designed to clarify environmental rules while preserving swamps and bogs. <br> <br> The plan will help officials decide how and where people must compensate for wetland losses when they make way for highway, housing and other projects. <br> <br> Environmental Protection Agency administrator Christie Whitman says the federal government is committed to saving America&#39;s wetlands. <br> <br> Six agencies decided government oversight should focus more on quality of new wetlands being created rather than on maintaining total wetlands acreage. <br> <br> National Wildlife Federation wetlands expert Julie Sibbing says total wetland area should be preserved. <br> <br> She says the EPAs ideas are vague and may be abused.