"EPA Redefines Federal Waters, Rolling Back Protections"
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Army have released a new rule that significantly reduces the scope of what qualifies as federal waters, following a Supreme Court decision in May that rolled back protections for US wetlands. The rule invalidates the previous definition of "waters of the United States" and excludes wetlands and smaller tributaries from protection. The decision has sparked criticism from environmental groups and even conservative Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who dissented with the majority, stating that the ruling will have significant repercussions for water quality and flood control in the US.