Washington officials announced on Friday that the Trump administration is poised to tighten the scope of the Clean Water Act, potentially stripping protections from a broader swath of streams and wetlands. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers have released a supplemental proposed rule that would narrow the definition of “waters of the United States,” a move that could exempt many smaller water bodies from federal oversight. Critics warn the change could undermine water quality, harm wildlife habitats and jeopardize downstream ecosystems, while supporters argue it reduces regulatory burdens on farmers, developers and other landowners. The proposal now heads to the public comment period, where environmental groups and industry stakeholders will weigh in before any final rule is set.
The Trump administration on Friday said it will consider further narrowing protections for streams and wetlands under the Clean Water Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers issued a supplemental proposed rule that they said would be likely to reduce the bodies of water that are under the Clean Water Act’s...
