WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Thursday limited federal protection for millions of acres of wetlands, ruling for property rights over clean water.
In a 5-4 decision, the justices said the Clean Water Act does not forbid discharges of pollutants into marshy areas or dry creek beds because water does not flow directly from them into a river, lake or bay. The decision will allow the development of those areas without federal review.
The court ruled for a couple who were blocked from building a home on a soggy vacant lot next to scenic Priest Lake in Idaho.
