The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have announced a new rule restoring a previous, more expansive definition of “waters of the United States” to be more consistent with the purpose and intent of the Clean Water Act. The more expansive definition is expected to better protect aquatic animal habitats and the agencies state it will “ensure critical protections for the nation’s vital water resources, which support public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity, and economic growth across the United States.” When the notice is published in the Federal Register, the agencies will be accepting public comments for a period of sixty days following publication and will hosting a series of virtual hearings in January 2022.