HECHO Statement on Supreme Court's Ruling on Clean Water Act

The Supreme Court's ruling in the Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency case sets restrictions on the jurisdiction of EPA, under the Clean Water Act, to maintain healthy bodies of water, including wetlands and streams. This decision will have significant repercussions on communities, ecosystems, and the economy across the nation.  

"This is a massive setback to EPA's power to curb water pollution. These new limits on how the agency regulates water will significantly impact the environment and public health. Latinos care deeply about ensuring clean watersheds for communities, wildlife, agriculture, and recreational purposes," says Camilla Simon, executive director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO). "Since 1972, the Clean Water Act has protected and rehabilitated vital waters in the United States. Removing the ability of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate discharges of pollutants into the wetlands and streams will increase water contamination. This is very concerning."  

This ruling favors Chantell and Mike Sackett from Idaho, who purchased land in 2004 and started developing it without the proper Clean Water Act permits. Instead of applying for the permits and developing responsibly, the Sacketts fought EPA and brought the case to the Supreme Court.  

The court's ruling impact goes beyond this case. It affects the future of the United States' vital waterways.  

More information about the Clean Water Act can be found here.