The Trump administration took its first step toward removing an Obama-era water rule, initiating review of a proposal to reinstate prior policies on what waters are subject to federal protections.
Top EPA officials have told state and local regulators they plan to repeal and replace the 2015 Clean Water Rule, or waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS), which drew legal challenges from at least 30 states and various business, agriculture and manufacturing organizations that claimed it improperly expanded federal jurisdiction. Environmental groups also challenged the rule, seeking a more protective regulation.
Waters and wetlands that fall under Clean Water Act ...