Supreme Court Slashes Clean Water Act Protections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 25, 2023
BOSTON, MA––Today, the U.S. Supreme Court slashed critical federal protections for wetlands, streams, and rivers under the Clean Water Act.
In today’s decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the court radically redefined which waters are protected by the Clean Water Act, leaving nearly 51% of wetlands and 18% of streams without protections nationwide. The Court’s ruling, which limits Clean Water Act protections to wetlands with a continuous surface connection to other waters, excludes countless hydrologically significant and ecologically sensitive areas, like ephemeral streams and vernal pools, that are also critical for flood resilience.
“Today’s decision is devastating for all of us who value clean, healthy rivers,” says Charles River Watershed Association Executive Director Emily Norton. “The Supreme Court’s reckless action to strip the power of the Clean Water Act endangers river health, drinking water, flood resilience, and safe recreation. Climate change isn’t coming––it’s here, with ever-increasing precipitation, extreme weather, heat waves, and droughts. It’s all the more imperative that we protect the vital wetlands and streams we have left, and protect our communities from these impacts.”
Charles River Watershed Association is available for further comment.
CONTACT:
Julia Hopkins
Communications & Outreach Manager
Charles River Watershed Association
(617) 540-5650 x1071
