Story perspectives

Trump's Proposal Threatens Clean Water Protections Nationwide

11/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Trump administration proposed a rule on November 17, 2025, to limit the Environmental Protection Agency's (E.P.A.) authority over pollution in wetlands and waterways.
This change could remove federal protections from millions of acres, threatening clean drinking water for many Americans.
E.P.A. administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the proposal would provide relief to landowners.
The proposal has support from various business interests, including farmers and developers.
A recent Supreme Court decision has narrowed the E.P.A.'s regulatory power under the Clean Water Act.

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Story summary

The Trump administration proposed a rule on November 17, 2025, to limit the Environmental Protection Agency's (E.P.A.) authority over pollution in wetlands and waterways.
This change could remove federal protections from millions of acres, threatening clean drinking water for many Americans.
E.P.A. administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the proposal would provide relief to landowners.
The proposal has support from various business interests, including farmers and developers.
A recent Supreme Court decision has narrowed the E.P.A.'s regulatory power under the Clean Water Act.