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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday it is redefining the scope of the nation’s bedrock clean water law to significantly limit the wetlands it covers, building on a Supreme Court decision two years ago that removed federal protections for vast areas.

At a Glance:

EPA proposes new WOTUS rule limiting federal wetland oversight

Change aligns with Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision

Critics say rollback threatens waterways and wildlife habitats

Farmers and landowners praise clarity on water regulations

When finalized, the new “Waters of the United States” rule will ensure that federal jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act is focused on relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water, such as streams

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