US environmental regulators ask for public input on what counts as a 'water of the United States'

The US environmental regulators and the Army Corps of Engineers are asking the public for ideas on how to define "waters of the United States." This follows a Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the types of wetlands and streams that fall under federal protection.

For decades, what counted as a federally protected waterway has been a moving target, shifting with different administrations and court rulings. This constant uncertainty makes it hard for developers, farmers, and environmental groups to plan projects or protect land. The Supreme Court's latest decision made it clear that only wetlands directly connected to larger bodies of water are protected, leaving many smaller streams and isolated wetlands vulnerable.