The Trump administration is once again making moves to alter the nation’s 53-year-old law protecting waterways, including seasonal streams, pools, and ponds. This decision has sparked concern among legislators and environmentalists in California, where an estimated 80% of streams and rivers are ephemeral or intermittent. The proposed changes could leave vast areas of the state unprotected from developers and growers.
In response, lawmakers in California have introduced a new bill, Senate Bill 601, to strengthen protections for wetlands and waterways in the state. The bill aims to align state regulations with existing federal protections and establish clear definitions for wetlands. Environmental advocates and state officials are working to safeguard California’s vulnerable water ecosystems amid the changing political climate.
The Trump administration’s decision to review the definition of wetlands comes after a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2023. The EPA plans to collect feedback from stakeholders and work with the Army Corps of Engineers to address concerns raised by the court’s decision. However, critics argue that the proposed changes do not account for California’s unique climate conditions and could leave essential water resources vulnerable to pollution and development.
As the debate over waterway protections continues, advocates are urging the EPA to consider the ecological impact of weakening regulations and to work collaboratively with states to ensure the preservation of water ecosystems. The future of California’s wetlands and waterways hangs in the balance as policymakers grapple with conflicting interests and legal interpretations.
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