Climate Politics
Trump's EPA Proposes Protecting Fewer Streams and Wetlands
The agency wants to change the definitions of waterways protected under the Clean Water Act.
The Candelaria Wetlands at the Rio Grande Nature Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Source: The Washington Post/Getty ImagesThe Trump administration is proposing rule changes that would result in fewer ponds, streams and wetlands being protected from development and pollution if approved.
The US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army on Monday jointly unveiled new definitions for the “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act, which help determine whether farmers, developers and other landowners need federal permitting for activities affecting water features on private or public land.