Description: The US Supreme Court has handed a setback to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by scaling back its jurisdiction to regulate wetlands under the Clean Water Act. The court’s ruling establishes that the law only applies to wetlands that are indistinguishable from “waters of the United States.” Environmental groups have criticized the decision, claiming it restricts communities’ ability to protect waterways and aquatic life. Conversely, proponents argue that it curtails federal overreach, allowing state bodies to strike a better balance between environmental preservation and local needs. The ruling, which comes as a blow to the Biden administration, has ignited a contentious debate over water protections and the scope of federal vs. state authority.
