EPA Announces Plans to Narrow Clean Water Act Protections

The agency aims to redefine federal oversight of wetlands and waterways following a Supreme Court decision limiting its regulatory authority.

The EPA plans to revise the definition of 'waters of the United States' under the Clean Water Act, reducing federal protections for certain wetlands and streams.
This move aligns with the 2023 Supreme Court Sackett v. EPA decision, which restricted federal regulation to wetlands directly connected to navigable waterways.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin emphasized creating a clear, durable framework to address longstanding disputes over waterway protections.
Republican lawmakers and agricultural groups support the change, citing reduced regulatory burdens and lower costs for businesses and landowners.
Environmental groups warn that narrowing protections could harm wetlands, increase pollution, and threaten safe drinking water for millions of Americans.