What's Next in the Wide Wide World of WOTUS?

What's Next in the Wide Wide World of WOTUS?

Author: ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources December 6, 2024 Duration: 56:47

This podcast featuring Susan L. Stephens (Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.), Kim Diana Connolly (University at Buffalo School of Law, State University of New York), and Sarah P. Jarboe (English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP) provides a succinct summary of the history of federal regulation of wetlands under section 404 of the Clean Water Act, outlining the seminal Supreme Court decisions that steered the agency rulemaking and set the stage for the Sackett decision.  The speakers delve into the Rapanos case and subsequent rulemaking, explaining how these developments informed the Supreme Court, led to multiple lawsuits across multiple states, and culminated in the Court's strongly-worded opinion in U.S. v. Sackett that virtually everyone agrees served to narrow the scope of federal jurisdiction over wetlands.  Importantly, listeners will hear the latest updates in the litigation challenging the most recent agency rulemaking, how federal courts are interpreting Sackett across the country, and how federal agencies are handling requests for jurisdictional determinations under the regulatory regime that Sackett left in its wake. Tune in to hear their predictions on what comes next.

For the latest jurisdictional announcements, visit https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/juris_info/

For more content from these speakers, get their book Wetlands Law and Policy: Understanding Section 404, Second Edition.


Tune into Environmental Law Explored: A Podcast SEERies for a direct line to the minds shaping our world's environmental, energy, and resource policies. Produced by the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, this series features candid conversations with leading practitioners who are navigating the complex intersection of law, policy, and science. You'll hear them unpack not just the latest regulatory shifts and courtroom battles, but also the historical context that brought us here and the practical realities of building a career in this dynamic field. Each episode goes beyond dry legal analysis to explore the human stories and professional insights behind the headlines. Whether you're a seasoned attorney, a law student, or simply someone keenly interested in how environmental governance works, this podcast offers an accessible yet deeply informed perspective. The discussions are grounded in real-world experience, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of how laws are interpreted, challenged, and implemented. Remember, the views expressed belong solely to the speakers. For anyone looking to grasp the forces that dictate our relationship with the planet, this is an essential listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 79

Environmental Law Explored: A Podcast SEERies
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