Overview

In 2023, the Supreme Court made one of its most devastating rulings in environmental history. By narrowing the legal definition of ‘waters of the United States’ (WOTUS), the court opened the floodgates to unregulated pollution. But while tremendously consequential, the decision was also simply the latest in a long series of battles over WOTUS, and which rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and perhaps even farm fields were to be protected by the Clean Water Act of 1972. Waters of the United States is an unprecedented exploration of this history—and its importance for today’s efforts toconserve a critical natural resource. The book not only examines how bodies of water are legally defined (and therefore protected), but who gets to decide on these definitions. The result is a fascinating look at the ongoing power struggle between the president and federal agencies, the courts, the states, and Congress, over water quality. Waters of the United States offers the detailed analysis necessary for any lawyer or environmental advocate to understand the nuances of water policy, while spinning a compelling narrative for readers who have never cracked a law book. The unique mix of insights into environmental law, history, and politics is required reading for anyone who cares about the future of the nation’s water.

Full Product Details

9781642833614

Table of Contents

Reviews

""From one of the nation's eminent water scholars, a masterful, timely account of the gutting of the Clean Water Act. Royal Gardner writes with erudition and wit on the political and legal currents fouling our liquid lifeblood. A must-read for anyone who cares about water--and a path forward for keeping it clean.""-- ""Cynthia Barnett, author of The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans; Mirage; Blue "" ""One of the nation's leading authorities on water and wetlands, Gardner transforms highly technical laws, policies, and court decisions into an engaging story. If you want to understand how battles over the term 'waters of the United States' came to define, and potentially undermine, the protection of our nation's aquatic systems, read this book.""-- ""James Salzman, Bren Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law, UCLA Law School and author of Drin"" ""This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of protecting US waters and wetlands, and in safeguarding the country's waters/wetlands in today's political landscape. Royal Gardner shares his masterful knowledge of law, science, politics, and history through witty and entertaining storytelling that will keep readers turning pages. This book is a real winner!""-- ""Gillian Davies, Society of Wetland Scientists Past President; Senior Ecologist, BSC Group, Inc.; and"" ""Waters of the United States is a wonderful look into the politics of regulation. It examines how definitions can be changed to twist the meaning of a law, and it explains how executive actions and court decisions can further shift the direction of a congressional act.""-- ""Choice"" ""Gardner's book provides an excellent read for anyone wanting to thoroughly understand both the big picture and details of how surface water has been regulated in the United States. Gaining an understanding of how the legal system has worked should provide insight for anyone interested in becoming actively involved in similar issues."" -- ""Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences""

""From one of the nation's eminent water scholars, a masterful, timely account of the gutting of the Clean Water Act. Royal Gardner writes with erudition and wit on the political and legal currents fouling our liquid lifeblood. A must-read for anyone who cares about water--and a path forward for keeping it clean."" -- ""Cynthia Barnett, author of The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans; Mirage; Blue "" ""One of the nation's leading authorities on water and wetlands, Gardner transforms highly technical laws, policies, and court decisions into an engaging story. If you want to understand how battles over the term 'waters of the United States' came to define, and potentially undermine, the protection of our nation's aquatic systems, read this book."" -- ""James Salzman, Bren Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law, UCLA Law School and author of Drin"" ""This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of protecting US waters and wetlands, and in safeguarding the country's waters/wetlands in today's political landscape. Royal Gardner shares his masterful knowledge of law, science, politics, and history through witty and entertaining storytelling that will keep readers turning pages. This book is a real winner!"" -- ""Gillian Davies, Society of Wetland Scientists Past President; Senior Ecologist, BSC Group, Inc.; and""

Author Information

Royal C. Gardner is an internationally recognized expert in wetland law and policy. At Stetson University College of Law, he is director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy and professor of law.

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