The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed changes to the federal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule; changes that could weaken protections for streams and wetlands that are vital to clean water, flood control, and healthy ecosystems. Many of these waterways, especially smaller and headwater streams, directly influence water quality in communities across Northeast Ohio. Of 496,907 acres of wetlands in the state, only 31,979 acres would remain federally protected. Experts estimate that 94–96% of Ohio’s wetlands, including 265,000+ acres of wetlands and 50,000 miles of streams, could lose Clean Water Act protections. (EPA analysis)
Dr. Erica Matheny, TCWP Executive Director, spoke with Corey O’Leary of Spectrum News 1 about what these changes could mean for local streams, wetlands, and communities.
While the public comment period has closed, TCWP will continue to monitor developments related to the WOTUS rule and share updates as they become available. Community members can stay informed by following TCWP’s news and programs and by supporting local watershed protection efforts that help protect streams and wetlands regardless of changes at the federal level.
Read Spectrum News 1‘s full story and watch the video at https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2026/01/10/epa-wetland-ohio-protection
Read the proposed rule change at 2025 Proposed “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule change.