EPA Proposes Greater Protections for Streams, Wetlands Under Water Act

"The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule Tuesday that would give the federal government regulatory authority over millions of acres of wetlands and about 2 million miles of streams.

The proposal, which is subject to a 90-day comment period slated to begin in a few weeks, would lead to stricter pollution controls on some of these areas and aims to resolve a long-running legal battle over how to apply the Clean Water Act to the nation’s intermittent and ephemeral streams and wetlands.

“These places are where we get our drinking water, and where we hunt, fish, swim and play,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said as she announced the proposed rule."

Juliet Eilperin and Darryl Fears report for the Washington Post March 25, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"Anglers Cheer EPA Water Proposal Senator Calls Land Grab" (Bloomberg)

"EPA, Army Corps Propose New Rules Limiting Discharges" (Wall St. Journal)

"Clean Water Act Proposal Would Protect More Water Sources In West" (Los Angeles Times)

"Draft Rule Clarifies Protection for U.S. Streams, Wetlands" (EHN)

"Obama Admin Proposes Broader Protection for Wetlands, Streams" (Greenwire)