EPA提出较狭义的水保护,不包括地下水和州际水域,这引发了国家一级的反应。 EPA proposes narrower water protections, excluding groundwater and interstate waters, sparking state-level responses.

环保局和陆军工兵团提议缩小“美国水”的定义范围,将联邦《清洁水法》的保护限制在与较大水道有持续地表连接的水域,不包括地下水和州际水域。 The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers propose narrowing the definition of "Waters of the United States," limiting federal Clean Water Act protections to waters with a continuous surface connection to larger waterways and excluding groundwater and interstate waters. 该规则于2025年11月20日发布, 将“相对永久”的水域定义为全年持续或区域湿季的水域, 并在2026年1月5日前征求公众评论。 The rule, released November 20, 2025, defines "relatively permanent" waters as those that persist year-round or during the regional wet season and seeks public comment by January 5, 2026. 虽然工业集团支持减少监管负担的举措,但环境倡导者警告说,这超出了2023年萨克特最高法院的裁决,可能会使许多季节性湿地和短暂湿地得不到保护,特别是在干旱地区。 While industry groups support the move for reducing regulatory burden, environmental advocates warn it exceeds the 2023 Sackett Supreme Court ruling and could leave many seasonal and ephemeral wetlands unprotected, especially in arid regions. 作为回应,科罗拉多州和新墨西哥州正在推进州一级的保护,科罗拉多州通过定于12月8日至10日举行的公共规则制定程序最终确定了规则。 In response, Colorado and New Mexico are advancing state-level protections, with Colorado finalizing rules through a public rulemaking process set for December 8–10.