33 U.S.C. § 2316: Environmental protection mission

(a) General ruleThe Secretary 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) LimitationNothing 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.