CT Officials: EPA Rule Threatens 59,000 Acres, Long Island Sound

Connecticut’s environmental community is sounding the alarm over a recent federal proposal to narrow the scope of the Clean Water Act. They warn that it could have profound consequences for the state’s wetlands, waterways, and public health.

The proposed rule, announced by the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, would significantly reduce the number of wetlands under federal protection. Environmental advocates say this could threaten clean water supplies, increase flood risks, and harm Long Island Sound.

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At stake are more than 59,000 acres of Connecticut wetlands. These areas offer economic and ecological benefits to cities and towns throughout the state—something that’s easy to overlook until it’s gone.

Proposed Changes to Federal Wetlands Protection

The new rule would limit federal protections to rivers, streams, and wetlands that have a direct surface connection and flow year-round. Seasonal streams, isolated wetlands, and many smaller tributaries would lose their federal safeguards under this proposal.

This change traces back to the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. That ruling narrowed what counts as “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act.

Local Impact on Connecticut’s Wetlands

The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates Connecticut could lose protections for tens of thousands of acres of wetlands. This would impact communities from Hartford and Bridgeport to Norwich, Torrington, and New London.

Wetlands filter pollutants from water and buffer against floods. They also support a wide range of wildlife.

Towns like Fairfield, Branford, and Danbury rely on these areas for storm management. With climate change bringing more frequent and intense storms, that role feels more important than ever.

Environmental Leaders Speak Out

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes called the rollback a direct threat to clean drinking water, recreation, and flood prevention. She emphasized that while Connecticut’s state laws remain strong, the proposed changes could increase pollution risks and put more pressure on enforcement.

Federal Perspective on the Rule

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the proposal, saying it would reduce regulatory burdens for landowners, developers, and farmers. He pointed out that states and tribal governments would still have authority over water quality measures.

Critics argue that not all states have laws as tough as Connecticut’s. That could leave big gaps in water protection across the country.

Risks to Long Island Sound and Local Economies

Groups like Save the Sound warned that the rollback could let more pollution reach Long Island Sound. That could jeopardize marine ecosystems and threaten industries tied to fishing and tourism.

The Sound drains much of Connecticut and is home to millions of residents. Polluted runoff from unprotected wetlands could lead to harmful algal blooms, lower oxygen levels, and losses for the recreational and commercial fishing sectors.

Benefits Wetlands Provide

Wetlands deliver a lot, including:

Water filtration — They remove sediments, nutrients, and contaminants before these reach rivers or the Sound.
Flood mitigation — Wetlands soak up excess rainwater and storm surges.
Wildlife habitat — Fish, birds, and a surprising variety of plants depend on them.
Climate resilience — They help buffer communities from extreme weather events.

Political and Community Response

Rep. Joe Courtney voiced strong opposition, saying clean water is essential for public health and economic growth in towns like Waterbury and Stamford. He joined other state leaders who pledged to keep Connecticut’s high standards, even if federal oversight shrinks.

Local municipalities and conservation groups are ramping up public awareness campaigns. They’re educating residents about the potential impacts and urging people to speak up during the federal rule’s comment period.

Looking Ahead

Connecticut’s water quality could depend on how well the state enforces its own rules. There’s a lot riding on whether officials can fill the gaps left by the proposed federal rollback.

Decisions in Washington might ripple through every watershed. Think about the Pequonnock River in Bridgeport or the Farmington River winding through Hartford County.

This issue isn’t going away soon. It’ll probably keep popping up in environmental policy debates all over the state.

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Here is the source article for this story: CT officials warn new EPA rule threatens at least 59,000 acres of wetlands, Long Island Sound

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