Talking Past Each Other, Attire Betrays Views on Water Rule

The emotional temperature inside the convention center in Kansas City, Kan., was barely higher than the frigid temperatures outside, as supporters and opponents weighed the merits of the Trump administration’s proposed take on a foundational clean water rule.

The administration held a public listening session at the center near where the Kansas River spills into the Missouri to get feedback on its proposal to significantly narrow the criteria for determining which bodies of water are subject to federal regulations.

The stark clash of cultures and viewpoints was reflected in what people wore: attorneys and lobbyists in business attire, activists ...