"EPA Proposes Stricter Controls on Water Pollution"

"The Obama administration announced Wednesday that it will impose stricter pollution controls on millions of acres of wetlands and tens of thousands of miles of streams.

The new guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency, which will be codified in a federal regulation later this year, could prevent the dumping of mining waste and the discharge of industrial pollutants to waters that feed swimming holes and drinking water supplies. The specific restriction will depend on the waterway.

The question of which isolated streams and wetlands qualify for protection under the Clean Water Act has been in dispute for a decade. The Supreme Court has issued two decisions, and the George W. Bush administration issued guidance in 2003 and 2008 limiting the scope of the act.

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said in a telephone news conference with reporters that although the new rules will expand the waterways enjoying federal protection, 'this is not some massive increase, as far as we can tell.'"

Juliet Eilperin reports for the Washington Post April 27, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"WETLANDS: Obama Admin Softens Bid To Strengthen Clean Water Act Regulations" (Greenwire)

"EPA Continues Farm Exemption From Water Rules" (Des Moines Register)

"President Obama Seeks To Extend Clean Water Act Protections" (Los Angeles Times)

"Administration to Expand Federal Waterways Oversight" (Wall St. Journal)

"Feds Issue Guidelines for Protecting Waterways" (AP)

"EPA Chief Promises To Bolster Water Protection Laws" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)