Story perspectives

EPA Proposes Rollback of Wetlands Protections, Sparking Outrage

11/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed changes to the Clean Water Act, Waters of the United States (WOTUS), reducing protections for wetlands and streams.
The proposal would exclude seasonal and intermittent waters from federal safeguards, leaving 38–70 million acres potentially vulnerable.
Critics say the plan could threaten drinking water for millions after a Supreme Court ruling limited federal wetlands authority.
A 45-day public comment period will precede finalization.

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Story summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed changes to the Clean Water Act, Waters of the United States (WOTUS), reducing protections for wetlands and streams.
The proposal would exclude seasonal and intermittent waters from federal safeguards, leaving 38–70 million acres potentially vulnerable.
Critics say the plan could threaten drinking water for millions after a Supreme Court ruling limited federal wetlands authority.
A 45-day public comment period will precede finalization.