WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a significant shift in its approach to the nation's clean water regulations on Monday. This new rule aims to redefine the scope of federally protected waters, following a Supreme Court decision that previously limited protections on certain wetlands.
The anticipated "Waters of the United States" rule will focus primarily on permanent bodies of water such as streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans, along with wetlands directly connected to these water sources. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that this change is intended to facilitate economic growth while also safeguarding vital water resources.
Highlighting the need to align with the Supreme Court's guidance in the landmark Sackett v. EPA case, Zeldin stressed that this initiative is not one of partisan interest but rather seeks to create a straightforward framework that will endure.
The proposed rule is expected to undergo a minimum of 45 days of public commentary, and Zeldin emphasized its potential to reduce red tape for farmers and landowners while still allowing for state and tribal regulations to protect water quality.
Environmental advocacy groups responded critically, arguing that this move primarily favors industrial interests at the expense of essential waterways and biodiversity. J.W. Glass from the Center for Biological Diversity expressed concerns that the rollback will lead to the degradation of important aquatic habitats.
Zeldin, acknowledging the discourse among various stakeholders, emphasized the need for clarity in regulations regarding what constitutes federally protected waters, especially for small farmers struggling with compliance uncertainties.
This sweeping change reflects ongoing tensions between environmental protections and economic interests that have fluctuated with different administrations' policies. The Supreme Court's recent rulings have influenced the direction of these federal regulations, significantly shaping the landscape of water law.
