wetlands

Desalination advances in California, despite opponents and looming alternative

Biden administration weakens water protections after Supreme Court curtails federal power

By Michael Phillis, Matthew Daly, John Flesher, Associated Press

Northern pintail ducks flock to the wetlands of the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge during their migrations in southern Oregon in this handout photo from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service taken February 25, 2009. Photo provided by REUTERS/US Fish and Wildlife Service/Handout

The Supreme Court just narrowed protection for wetlands, leaving many valuable ecosystems at risk

For the last 45 years, the EPA has required discharge permits in wetlands “adjacent” to water bodies, even if a dune, levee or other barrier separated the two. The Sackett decision upends that approach, leaving tens of millions of acres at…

By Albert C. Lin, The Conversation

Environmental activists gather outside as the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Sackett vs. EPA in Washington

Supreme Court decision weakens EPA authority, scales back scope of Clean Water Act

The Supreme Court has again weakened the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency. The case involved the EPA blocking an Idaho couple from building a house near a lake on their property, saying the construction would pollute water protected by…

By William Brangham, Dorothy Hastings

Bog (muskeg) landscape with sphagnum mosses, sedges, and

Supreme Court strips federal protections from some wetlands, boosts property rights

It's the second decision in as many years in which a conservative majority of the court narrowed the reach of environmental regulations.

By Mark Sherman, Jessica Gresko, Associated Press

Artists find inspiration in nature and history of Everglades National Park

Artists have long taken to the outdoors to do their work. Now, a new program, Artist in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE), puts a new emphasis on that important synergy. Jeffrey Brown visited Everglades National Park to see how artists are…

By Jeffrey Brown, Alison Thoet

U.S. gives Florida wider authority over wetland development

By Bobby Caina Calvan, Associated Press

The move long sought by developers and Republicans removes key layers of federal scrutiny over developments projects that could make it easier for builders to obtain permits for construction projects on wetlands.

Trump to farmers: Wetlands protections ‘one of the most ridiculous’ regulations

By Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press

President Donald Trump pointed to farmers Monday as winners from the administration's proposed rollback of federal protections for wetlands and waterways across the country, describing farmers crying in gratitude when he ordered the change.

Wetlands stopped $625 million in property damage during Hurricane Sandy. Can they help Houston?

By Nsikan Akpan

For the first time, a new study gives us a sense of how much property damage these natural habitats can prevent during severe storms like Hurricane Harvey.

Why farmers and ranchers think the EPA Clean Water Rule goes too far

By Reagan Waskom and David J. Cooper for The Conversation

Some farmers and ranchers fear the Clean Water Rule could expand federal regulations that impact their private property rights.

High court sides with property owners in wetlands case

By Sam Hananel, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is making it easier for landowners to bring a court challenge when federal regulators try to restrict property development due to concerns about water pollution.