“This is one of the saddest chapters in the 50-year history of the Clean Water Act.”

Jim Murphy, an attorney with the National Wildlife Federation, regarding the Supreme Court’s decision to expand the ability of farmers, homebuilders and other developers to dig up or fill wetlands near rivers, lakes and streams, finding that the government had overreached in limiting such activities. Environmentalist groups are concerned that the decision will put wetlands at risk of pollution while farmers and builders are eager to make full use of their land. (Associated Press — May 26, 2023)