(S. 2710) Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendment of 1976. The vote is on the Tower amendment to reduce the authority of the Army Corps of Engineers to regulate the dredging and filling of wetlands through the ÒSection 404Ó permit program. The amendment would only allow the Corps to regulate about 25 percent of the nation's wetlands, and leave the rest to be regulated at the discretion of the states. But very few states have effective wetland protection programs. Marshes and wetlands are vital breeding grounds for fish, and the most productive natural habitat for wildlife. They also serve to cleanse pollution and work as buffers against flooding. Yet this amendment would so severely limit the permit program that federal agencies would be powerless to prevent widespread dredging and pollution of wetlands. For once, conservationists sided with the Corps of Engineers and opposed the amendment. September 1,1976. Rejected 39-40. The correct vote is no.