Appendix D › XIX–XXI Executive Orders 11988, 11990 and 13112

What do the floodplain, wetlands and invasive species executive orders require?

FEMA term

Executive Order 11988 (floodplains); 11990 (wetlands); 13112 (invasive species)

Short answer

Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 require FEMA to avoid or minimize harm to floodplains and wetlands and to avoid supporting development there when there is a practicable alternative, using a documented 8-step process with public involvement under 44 CFR Part 9. Executive Order 13112 requires projects not to introduce or spread invasive species.

What FEMA requires

EO 11988, Floodplain Management: minimize or avoid adverse impacts of occupying and modifying floodplains, and avoid supporting floodplain development wherever there is a practicable alternative. FEMA uses a systematic, documented decision process with public involvement, designed to reduce flood loss risk, protect human safety, health and welfare, and restore and preserve floodplain functions.
FEMA’s implementing regulations are in 44 CFR Part 9, including the 8-step process.
EO 11990, Protection of Wetlands: avoid adverse impacts from destroying or modifying wetlands and avoid supporting new construction in wetlands wherever there is a practicable alternative, using the same documented 8-step process under 44 CFR Part 9.
EO 13112, Invasive Species: agencies must help prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of invasive species and avoid funding activities that promote them. FEMA consults state and local environmental and debris management agencies.

<table class="pt-table"><thead><tr><th>Executive order</th><th>Requires</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>EO 11988, Floodplain Management</td><td>Avoid or minimize floodplain impacts and support for floodplain development where a practicable alternative exists; use the documented 8-step process with public involvement (44 CFR Part 9)</td></tr><tr><td>EO 11990, Protection of Wetlands</td><td>Avoid or minimize wetland impacts and new construction in wetlands where a practicable alternative exists; same 8-step process (44 CFR Part 9)</td></tr><tr><td>EO 13112, Invasive Species</td><td>Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species; FEMA consults state and local environmental and debris agencies</td></tr></tbody></table>

Documentation

Information on whether the work is in or affects a floodplain or wetland, alternatives you considered, and how you prevented the spread of invasive species (for example, clean fill and inspected equipment).

Watch out · Govstar practitioner advice

Debris and fill can move invasive species. Use clean fill from known sources and clean equipment between sites, and expect state debris agencies to set conditions on moving vegetative debris out of quarantine areas.

Govstar summarizes FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide in plain language and links to the official text. Govstar is independent and not affiliated with FEMA. This is general guidance, not legal advice.