Proposed federal rule could remove protections for 86% of Florida wetlands

A proposed change by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could strip federal Clean Water Act protections from as much as 86% of wetlands in Florida, including those in the Myakka watershed, WUSF reported.

The proposal aims to narrow the definition of "waters of the United States," which determines which wetlands and waterways receive federal protection. This change follows a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that limited federal oversight of wetlands.

Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper, expressed concern that the proposal could leave wetlands vulnerable to development, such as being filled in or drained for housing, despite their important role in water quality and flood prevention.

The EPA stated the rule seeks to clarify which waters are federally protected and promote cooperation between federal and state authorities. However, the agencies acknowledge there could be environmental trade-offs if affected waters are damaged without mitigation measures.

Local environmental groups emphasize the importance of wetlands to the Tampa Bay area's well-being and worry that reduced protections could threaten these ecosystems.

The EPA and Army Corps are currently working to implement policies reflecting the Supreme Court decision and public feedback on the proposal.