Energy & Environment — Trump proposes to narrow water regulations

View Online Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story  Trump proposes to narrow Clean Water Act protections The Trump administration is proposing to narrow which bodies of water qualify for Clean Water Act protections.  © Adobe Stock The administration proposed a new definition for what counts as a "water of the United States" and is therefore subject to federal pollution regulations under the Clean Water Act.   The issue is a controversial one – with developers, farmers and others calling for including fewer bodies of water to make it easier for them to operate.   However environmental activists argue that more bodies of water deserve protection in order to prevent pollution, pollution that can flow to important waters.   "There will be less that will be regulated by the federal government," Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin told reporters.    Waters of the U.S. require permits for pollution, as well as activities like filling and dredging. Those that are not may not require permits.    In general, large, permanent bodies of water like oceans and lakes are considered waters of the U.S., but wetlands and streams have been more contentious.   The rule proposed on Monday narrows the scope of the protections by excluding groundwater and also would not automatically provide protections to interstate waters.   EPA assistant administrator Jessica Kramer also told reporters that under the proposed rule, ephemeral streams – those that only flow briefly after rain or snowfall –  would not be eligible for protections.    Read more at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, I'm Rachel Frazin  — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: FEMA chief David Richardson departs agency Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) head David Richardson is departing the agency, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson confirmed Monday.   Full Story What's next for EVs after the expiration of the tax credit? The future of electric vehicle adoption shifts now that the $7,500 tax credit is gone; affordable models, tech pivots, and new market dynamics emerge.  Full Story What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: Missouri passes new rules, costs for data centers and large power users (Missouri Independent) Exclusive: Chevron joins race to explore potential purchase of Lukoil assets, sources say (Reuters) What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Judge orders DOJ to turn over grand jury materials to James Comey, cites 'disturbing pattern' A federal magistrate judge has ordered the Justice Department to turn over grand jury materials to former FBI Director James Comey as he fights criminal charges, pointing to possible government misconduct as reason to grant the unusual relief.   Read more Seniors hit with 10 percent Medicare Part B cost increase in 2026 Medicare Part B premiums will rise by about 10 percent in 2026 according to a notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Read more   You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Check out The Hill's Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  400 N Capitol Street NW Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001 Copyright © 1998 - 2025 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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