News at a glance: Long Covid defined, x-rayed atoms, and a tally of deep-sea biodiversity
Thursday, June 1, 2023 - 13:13
in Earth & Climate
WATER POLICY U.S. wetland protections curtailed In a decision that reduces federal protections for wetlands, the U.S. Supreme Court last week narrowed the definition of marshy areas covered by the Clean Water Act. A five-justice majority led by Justice Samuel Alito ruled the law applies only to wetlands that have a “continuous surface connection” to nearby regulated waters, rejecting an approach currently used by federal agencies that wetlands require only a “significant nexus.” Four justices led by Justice Brett Kavanaugh argued the new standard is too narrow, ignores the law’s intent to protect wetlands “adjacent” to waterways, and will undermine efforts to prevent pollution and habitat destruction. Researchers filed amicus briefs...