WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new draft rule defining which waters are protected by the Clean Water Act underscores how the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett vs. EPA has significantly weakened wetlands protections.

“This rule spells out how the Sackett decision has undermined our ability to prevent the destruction of our nation’s wetlands, which protect drinking water, absorb floods and provide habitat for wildlife,” said Jim Murphy, the National Wildlife Federation’s director of legal advocacy. “Congress needs to step up to protect the water we drink, our wildlife, and our way of life. In the meantime, it will be up to the states to fill the gaping hole in water protections created by the Supreme Court.”