The Clean Water Act is a federal law that was enacted in 1972 to regulate the discharge of pollutants into the nation’s waterways. The law has been instrumental in protecting the quality of our water resources, but recent developments have raised concerns about its future.
In April 2020, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that altered the scope of the Clean Water Act. The decision, which was split 6-3, narrowed the definition of what constitutes a “point source” of pollution. This term refers to any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance from which pollutants are discharged into navigable waters.
The court’s ruling effectively exempts certain types of pollution from regulation under the Clean Water Act. For example, it may no longer be necessary to obtain a permit for discharges that originate from groundwater or other non-point sources.
Environmental groups and advocates have expressed concern that this decision could have far-reaching implications for the health of our waterways. They argue that the Clean Water Act is a critical tool for protecting our drinking water, recreational areas, and wildlife habitats.
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced that his administration would delay implementation of the decision in the state. The governor cited concerns about the potential impact on New Jersey’s water resources and pledged to take steps to protect them.
Murphy’s decision was met with praise from environmental groups and other stakeholders who view the Clean Water Act as a crucial safeguard against pollution. However, some business groups and other opponents of the law have criticized the governor’s move as an overreach of state authority.
The debate over the Clean Water Act is likely to continue in the coming months and years. As we face increasing challenges related to climate change and other environmental threats, it is more important than ever to ensure that our water resources are protected for future generations.