Michael and Chantell Sackett wanted to build a home near Priest Lake in Idaho鈥檚 panhandle. But the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the property was a protected wetland under the 1972 Clean Water Act.
That鈥檚 no longer the case. on May 25 that the Clean Water Act only applies to wetlands with 鈥渁 continuous surface connection鈥� to bodies of water.
The ruling narrows the scope of the Clean Water Act, severely limiting the federal government's ability to regulate wetlands. It was praised by many Republican politicians across the U.S., including congressional delegations in Mountain West states.
鈥淭oday is a great day for Wyoming, a great day for private property rights, a great day for farmers and ranchers,鈥� Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming said in a .
, Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho said he is glad to see the court 鈥減rovide needed clarity on this issue.鈥�
鈥淭he EPA simply cannot continue in its attempt to regulate every puddle, ditch, and stream in this country,鈥� he continued. 鈥淭his decision is a victory for Idaho and the many property owners, farmers, and ranchers who are left to deal with the very real consequences of regulatory uncertainty.鈥�
Meanwhile, conservationists say the court鈥檚 decision to weaken the EPA鈥檚 authority to protect wetlands and waterways from pollution will have devastating effects.
鈥淚t compromises and directly weakens a 50-year national commitment that this country has had to trying to make our waters more fishable, swimmable and drinkable,鈥� said Trout Unlimited President Chris Wood, adding the court鈥檚 decision to undermine a basic right like clean water is 鈥渕ind-numbing.鈥�
President Joe Biden that the court鈥檚 ruling 鈥渦pends the legal framework that has protected America鈥檚 waters for decades.鈥�
He continued: 鈥淚t also defies the science that confirms the critical role of wetlands in safeguarding our nation鈥檚 streams, rivers, and lakes from chemicals and pollutants that harm the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities,鈥� he said.
This story was produced by the Mountain West 暗黑爆料 Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNR in Nevada, the O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West in Montana, KUNC in Colorado, KUNM in New Mexico, with support from affiliate stations across the region. Funding for the Mountain West 暗黑爆料 Bureau is provided in part by the .
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