In the original interpretation of this rule, the fact that in Florida many wetlands are inter-connected underground through karst tunnels, was ignored.
This is described in this sentence: “The Sackett decision also clarified that wetlands would only be covered when having a continuous surface connection to waterbodies that are “waters of the United States” in their own right.”
This language resulted in no protection for many of Florida’s already decimated wetlands.
A revision by the current administration in Washington will almost certainly result in even less protection, since its aim, as in Florida, is to exploit our resources with no regard to the environment.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
Administrator Zeldin Announces EPA Will Revise Waters of the United States Rule. On March 12, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that EPA will work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to deliver on President’s Trump’s promise to review the definition of “waters of the United States.” EPA’s review will be guided by the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, which stated that the Clean Water Act’s use of “waters” encompasses only those relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming streams, oceans, rivers and lakes. The Sackett decision also clarified that wetlands would only be covered when having a continuous surface connection to waterbodies that are “waters of the United States” in their own right. EPA will start its review by expeditiously obtaining input from stakeholders who were sidelined during the previous administration. The agency will seek targeted information on the key challenges that Americans are facing. The agency will also undertake a rulemaking process to revise the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States” with a focus on clarity, simplicity and improvements that will stand the test of time. While this rulemaking process proceeds, the agency will provide guidance to those states implementing the pre-2015 definition of “waters of the United States” to ensure consistency with the law of the land. Please see additional information on Waters of the United States and read the initial responses to the announcement from Cabinet members, Congress and stakeholders.
