The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to reduce its protections for wetlands, following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that restricted federal authority over U.S. waterways.

Under the new direction, the EPA intends to introduce more predictable rules regarding which waterways are covered by the Clean Water Act, in response to concerns raised by farmers and industry groups. The Supreme Court’s decision in the Sackett v. EPA case determined that only wetlands directly adjacent to permanent waterways would be federally protected. This ruling marks a significant narrowing of the scope of previous protections.

Environmental organizations have expressed concerns that this rollback will lead to increased pollution and habitat loss, especially in drier regions already grappling with water scarcity. The new guidelines could allow for more development and pollution in these sensitive areas, which could harm water quality and heighten flood risks.

Advocates for stricter environmental protections argue that wetlands play a crucial role in filtering pollutants, preventing floods, and providing vital habitats for wildlife. The decision to scale back federal oversight is part of a broader trend of reducing national environmental regulations in favor of state control and industry interests.

While some states with stronger environmental laws may maintain stricter protections, others may face significant environmental degradation. This shift highlights the growing influence of state-level policies and industry interests on the country’s environmental landscape.