The U.S. EPA has finalized it's rule defining which streams and wetlands should be protected under the Clean Water Act. The rule closes loopholes left open by conflicting U.S. Supreme Court decisions. It will apply to 60 percent of U.S. waterways, including nearly 200 miles worth in Ohio. Elissa Yoder with the Ohio chapter of the Sierra Club says the rule will help conservation groups focusing on micro-bead pollution, sewer overflows, and toxic algae blooms.
The U.S. House has passed legislation to block implementation. The Senate is considering legislation to amend the rule.
