In a significant policy shift, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a redefinition of what constitutes the Waters of the United States. This move comes two years after a Supreme Court ruling that stripped protections from many wetlands. Under the new rule, the EPA will focus its regulatory authority on relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, alongside connected wetlands. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin emphasized that the intention is to strike a balance between environmental protection and economic growth, conveying that the rule aims to provide clarity for farmers and industry stakeholders. Environmentalists, however, have decried the proposal, arguing it will exacerbate pollution in critical habitats and undermine efforts to safeguard water quality amid the climate crisis. With at least 45 days of public comments ahead, the rule remains a contentious topic in environmental and regulatory debates.
EPA's New Rule: A Tightening Grip on Wetlands
EPA's New Rule: A Tightening Grip on Wetlands
The EPA unveils a rule redefining the waters it protects, following a controversial Supreme Court decision, focusing more on permanent bodies of water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new rule aimed at limiting the coverage of the Clean Water Act to primarily permanent bodies of water like lakes and rivers. This move builds on the Supreme Court decision from 2023, which curtailed federal protections for many wetlands. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated the rule is intended to promote clarity for landowners while balancing environmental protections. Critics, however, argue it poses a risk to vital ecosystems, potentially allowing for greater pollution and development in sensitive areas.
