Epa proposes major rollback of clean water act protections for streams and wetlands

The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army unveiled a controversial proposal Monday that would significantly reduce federal protections for the nation’s waterways and wetlands under the Clean Water Act, one of America’s most important environmental laws.

The proposed changes center on redefining “waters of the United States” – a technical term that determines which bodies of water receive federal protection from pollution and development. By narrowing this definition, the Trump administration’s plan would remove safeguards from numerous streams, wetlands, and other water sources currently covered under existing regulations.

Environmental advocates are sounding the alarm, warning that the proposal would strip away “countless” waterways from federal oversight, potentially leaving them vulnerable to contamination and destruction. These groups argue that wetlands and smaller waterways play crucial roles in filtering pollutants, preventing floods, and supporting wildlife – benefits that extend far beyond their immediate locations.

The announcement took place with strong Republican support, including backing from GOP members of Congress and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, who view the changes as reducing regulatory burden on businesses and property owners. Supporters argue the current rules are overly broad and create unnecessary obstacles for development and farming activities. However, critics contend that weakening these protections could have far-reaching consequences for water quality and public health, as pollution in upstream waters often flows into larger rivers and lakes that serve as drinking water sources for millions of Americans.