"The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to deal federal wetland and waterway safeguards a near-fatal blow by hearing arguments to limit the scope of the EPA’s power under the Clean Water Act, attorneys say.
If you’re someone who cares about water quality and wetlands, “you’re sick to your stomach,” said Dave Owen, an environmental law professor at the University of California Hastings College of the Law. “This is a very big deal.”
The court is expected in Sackett v. EPA to narrowly define waters of the U.S., or WOTUS, possibly undermining two Environmental Protection Agency rulemakings that are poised to expand those federal protections, attorneys say.
The case involves Chantell and Michael Sackett of Idaho, who have been attempting for 15 years to build a house on land the federal government says include federal waters. "
Bobby Magill reports for Bloomberg Environment January 24, 2022.
SEE ALSO:
"Supreme Court Takes EPA Case That Could Narrow Clean Water Act" (Washington Post)
"Supreme Court Tees Up Wetlands Fight That Could Cuff EPA" (E&E News)
