Federal Spotlight: High Court Remands WOTUS to District Court

January 25, 2018

The United States Supreme Court ruled earlier this week that district courts have jurisdiction versus appellate courts when it comes to legal challenges in regards to the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The ruling, which was unanimous, is a big win for business as a new definition of the rule is being contemplated by the current Environmental Protection Agency. WOTUS was established in 2015 during President Obama’s second term. It vastly expanded the definition of navigable waters, which included anything from drainage ditches to lakes and rivers.