Supreme Court reinstates Trump-era water rule, for now

By JESSICA GRESKO
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has reinstated for now a Trump-era rule that curtails the power of states and Native American tribes to block pipelines and other energy projects that can pollute rivers, streams and other waterways. In a 5-4 decision, the justices agreed to halt a lower court judge’s order throwing out the rule. The high court’s action does not interfere with the Biden administration’s decision to rewrite the rule. Work on a revision has begun, but the administration has said a final rule is not expected until the spring of 2023. The Trump-era rule will remain in effect in the meantime. The court’s three liberal justices and Chief Justice John Roberts dissented.