§ 3839d. Changes in ownership; modification of easement

(a) Limitations No easement shall be created under this part on land that has changed ownership in the preceding 12 months unless—

(1) the new ownership was acquired by will or succession as a result of the death of the previous owner;

(2) the new ownership was acquired before January 1, 1990; or

(3) the Secretary determines that the land was acquired under circumstances that give adequate assurances that such land was not acquired for the purposes of placing it in the program established by this part.

(b) Modification; termination

(1) Modification The Secretary may modify an easement acquired from, or a related agreement with, an owner under this part if—

(A) the current owner of the land agrees to such modification; and

(B) the Secretary determines that such modification is desirable—

(i) to carry out this part;

(ii) to facilitate the practical administration of this part; or

(iii) to achieve such other goals as the Secretary determines are appropriate and consistent with this part.

(2) Termination

(A) In general The Secretary may terminate an easement created with an owner under this part if—

(i) the current owner of the land agrees to such termination; and

(ii) the Secretary determines that such termination would be in the public interest.

(B) Notice

At least 90 days before taking any action to terminate under subparagraph (A) all easements entered into under this part, the Secretary shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.

(Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, § 1239D, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XIV, § 1440, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3600.)