Finalizing a rule change in process since 2021, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week restored a more inclusive version of the scope of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) protected under the Clean Water Act. 

EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the move will “deliver a durable definition of WOTUS that safeguards our nation’s waters, strengthens economic opportunity, and protects people’s health while providing greater certainty for farmers, ranchers, and landowners.” 

Environmental advocates nationwide quickly praised the move. “Today, the Biden administration restored needed clean water protections so that our nation’s waters are guarded against pollution for fishing, swimming, and as sources of drinking water,” said Kelly Moser, senior attorney and leader of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s Clean Water Defense Initiative. “The lakes, streams, and wetlands that this rule protects help to ensure the health of our ecosystems and communities.” 

“With today’s announcement, the Biden administration has moved closer to fulfilling the President’s campaign promise to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe water,” said Madeleine Foote, Deputy Legislative Director for the League of Conservation Voters. “We greatly appreciate the administration ridding us of Trump’s dangerous Dirty Water Rule once and for all and thank the EPA and the Army Corps for engaging in a transparent and inclusive rulemaking process. This is a good step toward advancing environmental justice for Black, Brown, Indigenous, and low-income communities that have historically borne the brunt of water pollution.” 

NCLCV has been tracking this critical clean water protection process under the Biden-Harris Administration since 2021, and is encouraged to see the EPA under its current leadership continuing the fight to conserve our essential water resources.