This week’s headline from Washington: The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers unveiled a major proposed rule to narrow the definition of “Waters of the United States”—an update that could dramatically reshape U.S. water protections and land use. Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA says these changes are aimed at simplifying regulations for landowners, providing regulatory clarity, and boosting economic opportunity, especially for agriculture and development interests. However, environmental advocates warn that excluding wetlands without visible surface water could strip federal protections from more than half of America’s wetlands, putting critical habitats and drinking water sources at risk.

Alongside the WOTUS proposal, Zeldin’s EPA continued its push to roll back climate-focused regulations, setting the stage for what he called the “greatest day of deregulation in U.S. history.” The agency is moving to rescind the Endangerment Finding—the cornerstone legal basis for regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. If that proposal is finalized, it would also repeal emission standards for vehicles and fossil fuel power plants. Zeldin stated, “We’re putting American businesses and families first, ending rules that kill jobs and raise energy prices.” Advocates of the rollback argue these moves will reduce compliance costs, increase domestic manufacturing and energy production, and improve grid reliability. Critics, however, warn that air quality and public health could suffer, with experts noting the power sector still accounts for about 25 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

For American citizens, these changes could mean fewer federal protections for clean water and higher risks from pollutants like mercury and arsenic in local waterways. Public health impacts might follow as emission controls are loosened. Businesses, especially in energy and construction, anticipate reduced regulatory burdens and potential cost savings, while environmental groups, some states, and local governments are preparing legal challenges. The EPA’s deregulatory agenda also cuts across international climate commitments, raising questions among global partners about the strength of the United States’ environmental leadership.

Budget-wise, the EPA has signaled plans to redirect spending toward deregulation and streamlining enforcement, with new initiatives focused on boosting domestic energy output. On the program front, August saw the announcement of revised wastewater discharge rules aiming at reliability and production but raising concerns about possible pollutant spikes.

Coalitions are forming fast: Some states and environmental organizations are partnering to challenge these regulatory rollbacks in court, while several industry groups and agricultural associations are voicing strong support for the new direction. According to Clean Water Action, the narrowing of WOTUS means “millions of acres of wetlands and countless miles of streams might lose vital protection.”

The public can comment on both the WOTUS redefinition and rescinding of the Endangerment Finding until late December, with final rules and potential court decisions expected in early 2026. Upcoming deadlines and hearings are key events to watch. If you want to make your voice heard, visit the EPA’s website for details on submitting comments or attending virtual hearings.

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