Federal Agencies Propose Redefining Waters of the United States
1 report, 1 independent
Updated Oct 10
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What happened
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers proposed rewriting the definition of Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, which determines which streams and wetlands are protected by the Clean Water Act. The supplemental notice suggested that only perennial streams count, meaning water must be present every day of the year under ordinary conditions. Wetlands would only be covered where perennial surface water joins them seamlessly to a protected water.
Why it matters
The proposed changes affect the scope of protection for streams and wetlands under federal law. Critics argue that this definition change would strip protection from seasonal streams and wetlands, which are essential for keeping rivers clean and trapping sediment.
Who's involved
- Montana Department of Environmental QualityGovernment agency involved in the regulatory landscape of water quality.
- EarthjusticeEnvironmental litigation organization that challenges regulatory decisions.