WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency announced a significant shift on Monday by redefining the scope of the Clean Water Act, specifically targeting the protections afforded to various wetlands across the nation. This decision builds on a Supreme Court ruling from two years prior that considerably reduced federal protections for certain wetlands.
Under the new proposed 'Waters of the United States' rule, federal jurisdiction will be narrowed to predominantly permanent, standing, or continuously flowing water bodies, including streams, oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands that are directly connected to these waters. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated in a press conference that the rule aims to enhance economic viability while safeguarding essential water resources.
This latest move aligns with the Supreme Court's decision in the Sackett v. EPA case, which favored property rights over environmental concerns, allowing an Idaho couple to build on their land without needing federal permits due to its proximity to a lake.
Zeldin, a previous Republican congressman, claims the altered rule is about clarity rather than partisanship, aiming for a straightforward regulation that can endure shifts in political climates. When asked about his confidence in the rule’s longevity amidst a history of fluctuating water regulations, he indicated that the opinion from the Supreme Court serves as a new foundation.
Many environmental advocates have condemned the proposed changes as a detrimental concession to industrial interests. J.W. Glass from the Center for Biological Diversity criticized the effacing of protections for crucial waterways, warning that the deregulation could devastate vital ecosystems.
Conversely, Zeldin remarked that the proposed alterations come as a response to numerous farmers' concerns regarding federal overreach into land use. He emphasized the necessity to provide predictable guidelines for stakeholders, enabling them to understand the regulations affecting their lands.
The change introduces a 45-day public comment period, allowing for input on the revised definitions. Zeldin is optimistic about the rule's pragmatic benefits, arguing that clarity in regulation is vital for landowners struggling to discern federal water jurisdiction.
In reviewing the historical context, prior administrations have oscillated between expanding and constricting water law protections, amplifying the impact of political transitions on environmental regulations. Following the Supreme Court's recent affirmation of the Trump-era limitations on water protections, this proposed rule signifies another shift in the evolving dialogue on the balance between environmental integrity and economic growth.
