COLORADO SPRINGS — The Trump Administration has rolled back some regulations dealing with the nation's waterways.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Protection Rule scales back the government's interpretation of what qualifies for pollution protection, and will also affect some waterways that have been federally protected for 50 years under the Clean Water Act.
The EPA and the Army are finalizing some of those rules, which eliminate some that were put in place by the Obama Administration.
They say it takes away federal overreach and makes the rules more understandable.
"The newer rule brings clarity to American farmers, land owners, and businesses. We are re-balancing the relationship between the Federal government and the states in managing land and resources," said EPA Region 8 Director Gregory Sopkin.
President Trump says the move will help farmers.
But environmental groups worry the change will put more contaminants in water and make it more difficult for downstream communities to treat drinking water.
