Trump's Clean Water Rule Change Reduces Protection for 93% of Arizona Water

Most of Arizona's arroyos fall into the relentlessly contested grey area created by the 1972 Clean Water Act.

1 minute read

December 21, 2019, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Flask Flood

Mike Hardiman / Shutterstock

Arianna Brocius reports on the effects of the Trump administration's proposed changes to the Clean Water Act, as contained in a new Waters of the United States Rule.

The Trump administration's new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule will eliminate those so-called "ephemeral or intermittent" waterways from regulation under the Clean Water Act. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality estimates that will reduce protection of state waterways, lakes and ponds by up to 93%.

The new rule rescinds protections put in place by a controversial rule implemented in the final years of the Obama administration. An article from September also details the effect of the proposed rule change on a development in Arizona that would add 28,000 homes southwest of Tucson.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019 in Arizona Public Media

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog