WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Monday a redefinition of its clean water law aiming to limit the wetlands covered under the Clean Water Act. This significant change follows a Supreme Court ruling from two years ago that reduced federal protections for many wetland areas.
The newly proposed Waters of the United States rule seeks to restrict federal oversight to bodies of water that are more permanent, such as streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. It will also include wetlands that are directly connected to these water bodies. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin highlighted the rule's intent to promote economic growth while safeguarding essential water resources in a news conference at EPA headquarters.
Zeldin noted that the new rule implements directives from the Supreme Court case Sackett v. EPA, which restricted federal authority over water pollution in various wetlands, benefiting property rights over clean water concerns. The 2023 decision favors a couple in Idaho seeking to build a home near a lake, further complicating the federal government's ability to regulate nearby water sources.
Claiming the proposal is not politically motivated, Zeldin stressed the need for clarity in water regulation, stating the goal is to create lasting guidelines that will withstand time. He cited the Sackett decision as a pivotal reference for ensuring that the new rule respects existing laws.
The rule, which will undergo a minimum of 45 days of public feedback, aims to cut bureaucratic red tape and provide clarity for farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Zeldin underscored that while some federal jurisdiction may decrease, states and tribes will continue to regulate the waterways affected.
Environmental groups, however, voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes. Critics claim that the EPA's move favors industrial interests at the expense of vital ecosystems. J.W. Glass from the Center for Biological Diversity stated, “This political gift from Trump to the polluters will lead to extensive damage to essential waterways and habitats, exacerbating problems related to climate change.”
Zeldin responded to these criticisms, stating that the Trump administration had engaged with stakeholders across the nation, addressing concerns about federal regulations impacting land use. He emphasized that the clear definition of protected waters is a significant step toward ensuring that landowners are not left in ambiguity regarding their property.
The reinstated norm would mark another phase in the decades-long battle over water regulation in the U.S., characterized by shifts in government introspection and varying interpretations of the Clean Water Act. The Supreme Court’s ruling has left a considerable imprint on how these regulations are expected to evolve moving forward.
