In 2025 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed redefining the term "Waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act to limit federal jurisdiction to relatively permanent standing or continuously flowing bodies of water (for example, streams, rivers, lakes and oceans) and wetlands that are connected to such bodies of water.
November 17, 2025
high
policy
This describes the scope of a regulatory definition the EPA proposed for Clean Water Act jurisdiction.
Under the 2025 EPA proposal, lands removed from federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction could remain subject to regulation by state governments and tribal authorities.
November 17, 2025
high
policy
The proposal frames a division of regulatory responsibility between federal jurisdiction and state/tribal regulation for certain waters and wetlands.
The U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. EPA limited the federal government's authority under the Clean Water Act to regulate certain wetlands.
January 01, 2023
high
legal
The Supreme Court ruling narrowed the scope of waters and wetlands subject to federal Clean Water Act protections.
The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) concept was established under the Clean Water Act during the Nixon administration to regulate and protect wetlands, to more broadly define 'navigable waters,' and to protect public health.
high
policy_origin
Historical intent and origin of the WOTUS regulatory framework.