Document: 547 U.S. 715 (2006) RAPANOS et al. v. UNITED STATES No. 04-1034. Supreme Court of United States. Argued February 21, 2006. Decided June 19, 2006.[*] *718 M. Reed Hopper argued the cause for petitioners in With him on briefs was Robin L. Rivett. Timothy A. Stoepker 04-1384. were Dennis W. Archer and Paul R. Bernard. Solicitor General Clement respondents both cases. Assistant Attorney Wooldridge, Deputy Hungar, Malcolm Stewart, Greer S. Goldman, Ellen J. Durkee, Todd Kim, Katherine Hazard.[] *719 JUSTICE SCALIA announced judgment delivered an opinion, which THE CHIEF JUSTICE, THOMAS, ALITO join. In April 1989, petitioner John Rapanos backfilled wetlands a parcel land Michigan that he owned *720 sought to develop. This included 54 acres with sometimes-saturated soil conditions. The nearest body navigable water 11 20 miles away. 339 F.3d 447, 449 (CA6 2003) (Rapanos I). Regulators had informed Mr. his saturated fields "waters States," 33 C. § 1362(7), could not be filled *721 without permit. Twelve years criminal civil litigation ensued. burden federal regulation those who would deposit fill material locations denominated States" is trivial. deciding whether grant or deny permit, U. Army Corps Engineers (Corps) exercises discretion enlightened despot, relying such factors as "economics," "aesthetics," "recreation," "in general, needs welfare people," CFR 320.4(a) (2004).[1] average applicant individual permit spends 788 days $271,596 completing process, nationwide 313 $28,915not counting costs mitigation design changes. Sunding & Zilberman, Economics Environmental Regulation by Licensing: An Assessment Recent Changes Wetland Permitting Process, 42 Natural Resources 59, 74-76 (2002). "[O]ver $1.7 billion spent each year private public sectors obtaining permits." Id., at 81. These cannot avoided, because Clean Water Act "impose[s] liability," well steep fines, "on broad range ordinary industrial commercial activities." Hanousek States, 528 1102, 1103 (2000) (Thomas, J., dissenting from denial certiorari). this litigation, example, backfilling own wet fields, faced 63 months prison hundreds thousands dollars fines. See States Rapanos, 235 256, 260 2000). *722 enforcement proceedings against are small part immense expansion use has occurred under Actwithout any change governing statuteduring past five Presidential administrations. last three decades, Protection Agency (EPA) have interpreted their jurisdiction over "the waters cover 270-to-300 million swampy lands Statesincluding half Alaska area size California lower 48 And just beginning. also asserted virtually containing channel conduitwhether man-made natural, narrow, permanent ephemeralthrough rainwater drainage may occasionally intermittently flow. On view, federally regulated include storm drains, roadside ditches, ripples sand desert contain once year, covered floodwaters every 100 years. Because they sewers washes, statutory engulf entire cities arid wastelands. fact, lies some basin, endless network visible channels furrows surface, ephemerally wherever rain falls. Any plot potentially "water States." I Congress passed (CWA Act) 1972. Act's stated objective "to restore maintain chemical, physical, biological integrity Nation's waters." 86 Stat. 816, 1251(a). states "[i]t policy recognize, preserve, protect primary responsibilities rights prevent, reduce, eliminate pollution, plan *723 development (including restoration, preservation, enhancement) resources, consult Administrator exercise authority chapter." 1251(b). One statute's principal provisions 1311(a), provides discharge pollutant person shall unlawful." "The pollutant" defined broadly "any addition point source," 1362(12), "pollutant" only traditional contaminants but solids "dredged spoil, . rock, sand, [and] cellar dirt," 1362(6). And, most relevant here, CWA defines "navigable waters" including territorial seas." 1362(7). certain exceptions its prohibition person." 1311(a). Section 1342(a) authorizes EPA "issue pollutant, notwithstanding section 1311(a) title." 1344 Secretary Army, acting through Corps, permits dredged into specified disposal sites." 1344(a), (d). It material"which, unlike pollutants, do readily wash downstreamthat we consider today. For century prior CWA, phrase predecessor statutes refer interstate fact" susceptible being rendered so. Daniel Ball, 10 Wall. 557, 563 (1871); see Appalachian Elec. Power Co., 311 377, 406 (1940). After passage initially adopted judicial definition term 39 Fed. Reg. 12119, codified 209.120(d)(1) (1974); Solid Waste *724 Northern Cook Cty. Engineers, 531 159, 168 (2001) (SWANCC). District enjoined these regulations too Defense Council, Inc. Callaway, 392 F. Supp. 685, 686 (DC 1975), far broader definition. 40 31324-31325 (1975); 37144 (1977). Corps' new deliberately extend outer limits Congress's commerce power. id., 37144, n. 2. current interpret include, waters, 328.3(a)(1) (2004), "[a]ll wetlands," 328.3(a)(2); other intrastate lakes, rivers, streams intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, meadows, playa natural ponds, use, degradation destruction affect foreign commerce," 328.3(a)(3); "[t]ributaries [such] waters," 328.3(a)(5); "[w]etlands adjacent [and tributaries] (other than themselves wetlands)," 328.3(a)(7). "adjacent" "bordering, contiguous [to], neighboring" 328.3(c). specifically separated manmade dikes barriers, river berms, beach dunes like `adjacent wetlands.'" Ibid. We first addressed proper interpretation 1362(7)'s Riverside Bayview Homes, Inc., 474 121 (1985). That case concerned wetland "was water," characterized conditions vegetation extended beyond boundary respondent's property waterway." 131; 328.3(b). Noting transition solid *725 ground necessarily even typically abrupt one," must choose ends begins," U.S., 132, upheld "actually abut[ted] on" waters. 135. Following our decision Bayview, increasingly interpretations Act. 1986, "clarify" reach jurisdiction, so-called "Migratory Bird Rule," purported "[w]hich used habitat" migratory birds. 51 41217; SWANCC, supra, 163-164. addition, "ephemeral streams" "drainage ditches" "tributaries" 328.3(a)(5), provided perceptible "ordinary high mark" 328.3(e). 65 12823 (2000). feature passes leaves mark if presence litter debris." Accounting Office, Report Chairman, Subcommittee Energy Policy, Regulating Affairs, Committee Government Reform, House Representatives, Waters Wetlands: Needs Evaluate Its Office Practices Determining Jurisdiction, GAO-04-297, pp. 20-22 (Feb. 2004) (hereinafter GAO Report), http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d04297.pdf (all Internet materials visited 9, 2006, available Clerk Court's file). Prior courts application expansive entities contained flow during heavy rainfall, Eidson, 108 *726 1336, 1340-1342 (CA11 1997), dry arroyos connected remote groundwater "centuries," Quivira Mining Co. EPA, 765 F.2d 126, 129 (CA10 1985). considered Rule" "an abandoned gravel pit northern Illinois." 162. Observing significant nexus between `navigable waters' reading Bayview," 167 (emphasis added), held did establish "that extends ponds open deleted). contrary, "nonnavigable, isolated, 171which, issue abu[t] waterway," 167were significantly revise theory 1344(a). notice proposed rule-making light 68 1991 (2003), ultimately amend published regulations. SWANCC directly address tributaries, notified field staff "should continue assert and, generally speaking, tributary systems (and wetlands)." 1998. overrule continues "`neighboring'" tributaries. 1997 (quoting 328.3(c) (2002)). Even after continued uphold sweeping assertions ephemeral drains "tributaries." jurisdictional *727 "intermittent surface approximately 2.4 ditches (paralleling crossing I-64)," Treacy Newdunn Assoc., 344 407, 410 (CA4 2003); "roadside ditch" whose took "a winding, thirty-two-mile path Chesapeake Bay," Deaton, 332 698, 702 irrigation connect Community Assn. Restoration Environment Henry Bosma Dairy, 305 943, 954-955 (CA9 2002); Headwaters, Talent Irrigation Dist., 243 526, 534 2001); (most implausibly all) "washes arroyos" "arid site," located middle desert, courses periods rain," Save Our Sonoran, Flowers, 408 1113, 1118 2005).[2] constructions outliers. Rather, reflect breadth determinations field. practices vary somewhat district definitions make determinations" left "vague." 26; 22. But offices treated, features "arroyos, coulees, washes," "channels might little given year." 20-21. They applied man-made, *728 flowing "drain tiles, systems, culverts." 24 (footnote omitted). "tributaries," define SWANCC. concluded hydrologically "through directional sheet events," 18, lie within "100-year floodplain" waterthat is, flooding, average, years, 17, 16. Others 200 feet automatically renders jurisdictional. 19. successfully defended theories "adjacency" courts, SWANCC's excision "isolated" coverage. court since flood control 70-foot-wide atop ran maintenance roads, "significant nexus" because, inter alia, lay "within floodplain tidal Baccarat Fremont Developers, LLC 425 1150, 1152, 1157 2005). one cases before us today, Sixth Circuit held, agreement "[t]he majority courts," "while hydrological connection non-navigable required, there no `direct abutment' requirement" "`adjacency.'" 376 629, 639 (2004) II). insubstantial hydrologic constitute nexus." distinguished molecule residing pits [in SWANCC] mix molecules bodies water"whereas, it, currently present will inevitably towards connecting bodies," *729 "[a] drop landing Site intermingle [nearby river]." Rueth Development 189 2d 874, 877-878 (ND Ind. 2002). II consolidated cases, four near eventually empty meaning Petitioners 04-1034, affiliated businesses, deposited sites Midland, Michigan: "Salzburg "Hines Road "Pine River site." Salzburg site drain, Hoppler Creek, flows Kawkawlin River, empties Saginaw Bay Lake Huron. Brief p. 11; F.3d, 449. Hines something called "Rose Drain," Tittabawassee River. App. Pet. Cert. A23, B20. Pine A23-A24, B26. clear connections nearby continuous intermittent, merely occasional water. brought petitioners. found described jurisdiction" "`adjacent States,'" liable violations sites. B32-B35. appeal, Appeals affirmed, holding *730 all "there corresponding tributaries 643. 04-1384, Carabells, denied triangular about mile St. Clair. A ditch runs along side wetland, it 4-foot-wide berm. berm largely entirely impermeable blocks though overflow ditch. another connects Auvase 2a-3a. exhausting administrative appeals, Carabell filed suit Court, challenging regulatory site. ruled "is neighboring `waters States.'" 49a. Again 391 704, 708 (Carabell). granted certiorari 546 932 (2005), decide Act, so, constitutional. III contend terms limited required "waters" Wall., 563. wholesale CWA. uses term, simply *731 Moreover, provides, circumstances, substitution state presently used, condition reasonable improvement means transport thereto." 1344(g)(1) added). provision shows includes more twice understanding S., 167; 133.[3] emphasized, however, qualifier "navigable" devoid significance, 172. need precise extent qualifiers "of restrict coverage Whatever scope qualifiers, "waters." "waters," subsequent evidence statute, canons construction confirm *732 1362(7) bear give it. approach arguable else. definite article ("the") plural number ("waters") plainly does general. form, refers narrowly "[a]s forming geographical oceans, lakes," moving masses, waves floods, making up bodies." Webster's New International Dictionary 2882 (2d ed. 1954) Second).[4] definition, relatively permanent, standing water.[5] *733 "streams," "oceans," "rivers," "lakes," "bodies" "forming features." All connote continuously present, fixed water, opposed ordinarily flows. least substantial definition's terms, namely, connotes channel especially when company "oceans." [6] None encompasses transitory puddles restriction exclude *734 accords commonsense term. applying streams," "wet meadows," culverts, "directional drain stretched parody. plain language statute authorize "Land Is Waters" jurisdiction. (the term) further confirms confers statutes. 180 (Stevens, dissenting). understanding, discrete "rivers" interchangeably. Electric, consistently referred "waterways." 407-409. Plainly, fact As noted waters"even States"carries original substance: "[I]t thing word effect quite whatever." includes, bare minimum, likewise limitation scope. primarily "rivers, streams, hydrographic conventionally identifiable `waters'" features. *735 131 thus echoed dictionary referring "streams lakes." Second Though inclusion abutting "hydrographic featur[e]"principally due difficulty drawing two, 132; Part IV, infranowhere suggest should expanded right, `waters,'" 131. Likewise, repeatedly "open water" 8, 134; 167, Under rational Most all, itself categorizes conduits carry separately them "`point source.'" source'" discernible, confined conveyance, pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, fissure, container, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operation, vessel floating craft, pollutants discharged." 1362(14). "`discharge pollutant'" source." 1362(12)(A) conceive "point sources" separate distinct categories. "discharge" sense two categories overlapping. classification "ditch[es], channel[s], conduit[s]" *736 which describe watercourses flowshows are, large, [7] *737 foregoing consistent CWA's "policy resources ." statement enacted 1972, optional administration program 1977 amendments, 91 1601. Thus subsequently added 1344(g)(l). advanced rather "preserv[ing] "plan[ning of] resources" control. therefore unlikely States."[8] ambiguous flows, impermissible. *738 Government's "result impingement States' power use." 174. issuance quintessential local FERC Mississippi, 456 742, 767-768, 30 (1982); Hess Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation, 513 30, 44 (1994). extensive urged function de facto regulator stretches landan agency shown willingness befit zoning board. 320.4(a)(1) (2004). expect "clear manifest" unprecedented intrusion authority. BFP Resolution Trust 511 531, 544 hardly qualifies. raises difficult questions ultimate 173. (In developing regulations, consciously farthest reaches 37127 (1977).) sometimes host (which not), clearer presses envelope constitutional validity. Edward DeBartolo Corp. Florida Gulf Coast Building Constr. Trades 485 568, 575 (1988).[9] *739 sum, plausible interpretation, geographic features" parlance "streams[,] 2882. ephemerally, periodically provide rainfall. "based permissible statute." Chevron 467 837, 843 (1984). IV Carabell, constituted "tributary" 328.3(a)(5). 708-709. Likewise II, that, virtue wetlands' "hydrological connection" them. 639-640. reflects practice *740 offices, "assert regulating 23. "adjacent to" mere textual "wetlands" subset "waters": "On purely linguistic level, appear unreasonable classify `lands,' otherwise, `waters.'" 132. acknowledged, inherent ambiguity boundaries "[T]he begins. common experience tells often easy task: one. shallows, marshes, swamps, bogsin short, huge array areas wholly aquatic nevertheless fall short land. Where continuum find limit `waters' obvious." ambiguity, deferred agency's abut[ting]" waters: "Faced problem defining bounds authority," reasonably conclude "adjoin[ed]" 135, 9. delineating central reasoning case: "In view contemplated difficulties regulable ecological relationship *741 adequate basis legal Act." 134 added).[10] When close gradually blend into: "It Homes." particular, rejected notion considerations upon relied Bayviewand dissent relies post, 796, 797-798, 798-799, 800, 803, 806, 807, 809-810provided independent (or streams") irrelevant question *742 physically isolated come confirmed rested where ("adjacent") begin, permitting reliance resolve favor treating Isolated 171, presented boundary-drawing justified invocation treat such. Therefore, so demarcation Wetlands implicate lack necessary 167. Thus, establishing requires findings: first, contains "wate[r] (i. e., waters); second, determine "water" "wetland" V Respondents amici urge restrictions frustrate polluters §§ 1311 1342. same applies able evade requirement *743 discharging noncovered upstream Tr. Oral Arg. 74-75. issue, reason suppose today affects 1342, inasmuch 1342 forbid "addition added); time enactment, naturally washes downstream likely violates discharged source emit "directly into" pass conveyances" between. Velsicol Chemical Corp., 438 945, 946-947 (WD Tenn. 1976) (a municipal sewer system source" waters). Sierra Club El Paso Gold Mines, 421 1133, 1137, 1141 2005) (2.5 tunnel waters"). many upstream, "makes pollutant; convey waters.'" South Fla. Management Dist. Miccosukee Tribe, 541 95, 105 Cases intervening Ortiz, 427 1278, 1281 carried *744 flushed chemicals toilet Colorado source"), Dague Burlington, 935 1343, 1354-1355 (CA2 1991) culvert rev'd grounds, 505 557 (1992). Some "indirect discharge" rationale alternative, facts. See, e. g., Concerned Area Residents Southview Farm, 34 114, 118-119 1994). either seen contrast normally 1342(a), material," sole purpose staying put, downstream,[11] wetlands. *745 1362(12). recognizes distinction providing discharges appear, therefore, adopt reduces narrower impose proof requiring demonstrate 57. But, above, rely characterization subject appears substantially similar, identical, Circuit's prove 3d, 639. Compare, B11, B20, B26 (testimony based observation connections), 118-121 polluted water). case, contaminant-laden Finally, admonish narrowing hamper efforts preserve conservation explicitly calls for, 1251(b), way inadequate goal preservation. event, Comprehensive National us, "wis[dom]" 805 (opinion Stevens, J.), *746 ken. What clear, enact VI opinion long praise environmental protection notably analysis text structure, hold (no matter how defined) (again, support policy-laden conclusion, exclusively sources: "[o]ur unanimous 792; "Congress' deliberate acquiescence 1977," 797. Each demonstrably apparently limitless dissent's assertion "squarely controls cases," 792, implausible. First, possibly acceptance beds 804, case. navigable-infact said nothing what nonnavigable cover. complacent "adjacent," (as above) been 100-year 728. notes quoted comment description "`that form border proximity *747 Post, 793 (citing 37128)). already discussed, quotation unconnected 741, 10. principally footnote recognizing "`not great importance environment adjoining water,'" "`adjacent'" 9). Of course, says "adjacent"quite sentence "adjoining" interchangeably, qualifies "[b]ecause" 135 footnote's "lacking environment," determined wetland's physical thereto. reasons (1) (2) defer "adjacent." 805-806. legerdemain. wetlands" authorized interpret, 1362(7).[12] expounding *748 explaining definitional However abstract, explained earlier, "physically abutting" "nearby." 740-742. distinguish "had say 794 i. "isolated ponds" difference. If "permanent seasonal varying depth," 163which, rightdid fortiori, author today's written, "[i]f, believe, actually very heart Congress' `isolated,' closer margin, `isolated wetlands,' marginally `waters,' marginal category 187, 13 offers tributaries"where who-knows-how broadly. why roughly differencewithout actual abutment, *749 undoubtedly poor proxy significance. careful discussion strictly ecologicalsuch "serve important quality roles," "play roles watershed," 803. swiftly overwhelm altogether; could, less "offer `nesting, spawning, rearing resting species,'" "`serve valuable storage waters,'" 796. exclusive focus factors, combined total deference judgments, regulate country B Absent law position, heavily 797noting "[w]e [this acquiescence] "acknowledged SWANCC" done ibid. "acknowledged" congressional criticize reliance. reasserted uncertain oft-expressed skepticism toward tea inaction: "Although recognized situations, extreme care. Failed legislative proposals particularly dangerous rest statute. actions inactions 95th intent 92d passing [§ 1344(a)] considerably attenuated. *750 history illuminating contemporaneous evidence, face task overcoming import 1344(a)]." 169-170 (brackets, citations, internal marks, takes governmental action except legislation. acquiescence" appropriately failure express opinion. idea Members' act attributable belief correct, excesses, indeed unwillingness confront lobby. To sure, "precise issue" Bob Jones Univ. 461 574, 600 (1983) However, "[a]bsent overwhelming acquiescence, loath replace amended interpretation." 169-170, 5 falls producing "overwhelming evidence" failed todaynamely, constitutes Citing Bayview's account debates, claims "conducted debates jurisdiction...." vague goes far. recounted proposal "limi[t] 1344] (defined inundated waters)," 136. rejecting *751 proposal, navigable-in-fact watersan affirmatively reject 731and "periodi[c] inundat[ion]" almost nowhere opinions cases.[13] No inaction can construe implied endorsement jot tittle "at reasonableness" 137, "even *752 restricted excised Both conclusions perfectly neither illuminates disputed wetland. C curious appeal entrenched executive error, contends appropriateness 30-year implementation Judiciary." 799; 787-788, 807. Surely novel principle lawa sort adverse possession insulates disregard review. deservedly precedent jurisprudence. invoke invalidated aspect implementation. "[b]ecause interpreting advances command deference." 804. Two defects single sentence: "[W]aters respects ambiguous. conceivably hence interpretation. advancing Act": criticized resort extravagant noting pursues costs, limitations law's "purpose" substantive authorizations. Director, Workers' Compensation Programs Newport News Shipbuilding Dry Dock 514 122, 135-136 (1995). agree statement, 799, "[w]hether benefits particular *753 measures outweigh classic answered appointed judges." Neither, officers contradiction direction. ours, appeals text, patently achieve. begun mentioning, imposed interpretationbut decision, rests, simply, borne VII Justice Kennedy's concludes inconsistent purpose." 776. His "text" "structure" unaddressed, rests nexus," ibid., opinions. begin with, bears easily recognizable relation (SWANCC) earlier (Riverside Bayview). KENNEDY require "establish case-by-case basis" "significantly understood `navigable.'" 782, 780. standard certainly significance covered, instead covered. true enough *754 accepting physical-connection criterion likelihood determination test. test derived emphasized possessed abutted argument Kennedy acknowledges nor proposes neighbor misreads mischaracterizing significance; then transfers context expressly declined (namely, tributaries); while conceding apply (wetlands waterways). Truly, "turtles down."[14] misreading decisions problem. utter isolation think, *755 KENNEDY's exegesis, crucial taken cryptic Bayview. compatible criterion: connection, makes practical indistinguishable States"? they, "either alone combination similarly situated region, `navigable,'" 780 possible usage accept whatever (alone combination) States? Only ignoring assuming ("significant nexus") properly conclusion arrived at. Instead limiting reference applying, purports clean anything affect" purity (he never this, demands mean it) familiar tactic substituting freeing write different achieves purpose. discussed *756 So preservation responsibility land-use decisions. More fundamentally, rewrites using gimmick (or, matter, lands) of" disposition disallow respect moderate flouting Stevens'.[15] respect, extreme. At Stevens blame implausible Corps. error consists giving permits. Kennedy, devised own. be, grudging close-to-the-edge powers, *757 law. unless VIII wrong paucity record determine, instance, flow; (if are) possessing creates * vacate judgments 04-1034 remand proceedings. ordered. ROBERTS, concurring. Five ago, position amended, 1251 seq. 159 essentially limitless; boundless 167-174. response initiated "issues associated (CWA), [SWANCC]." *758 (2003). "goal agencies" develop interest clarifying affording full appropriate Federal State CWA." Agencies delegated rulemaking afforded generous leeway entrusted administer. 842-845 Given broad, ambiguous, nonetheless clearly employed enjoyed plenty room operate bound went nowhere. Rather refining guidance meriting standards, chose adhere upshot defeat agency. unfortunate commands precisely read Lower now feel basis. situation unprecedented. Grutter Bollinger, 539 306, 325 (2003) (discussing Marks 430 188 (1977)). unusual perhaps, avoided.[*] *759 KENNEDY, concurring judgment. fact. (SWANCC), circumstances there, "`navigable waters'" possess made. instant plurality chooses test; test's applicability, had, have, requisite nexus. my ought remanded consideration requirement. Although STEVENS dissent) discuss background detail, statutes, facts clarify suggested here. "objective" *760 end, among things, prohibits person" "discharge waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, materials, radioactive heat, wrecked discarded equipment, dirt industrial, municipal, agricultural waste water." Chief (c), (d); 1344(f) (categorically exempting forms material" 1311(a)). Pursuant 1344(g), qualifying programs assume aspects responsibility. Apart material, (EPA), oversees States') 1344(c). Discharge result liability. 1319. outcome turns describes seeks regulate. construed commercethe see, *761 406-408 (1940); 563-564 (1871)but relevance 328.3(a)(1), (5), (7) (2005). views mark." 328.4(c); high-water mark "line shore established fluctuations indicated characteristics line impressed bank, shelving, changes character soil, terrestrial vegetation, debris, surrounding areas." Contrary plurality's description, ante, 722, 734, moist patches earth. "those frequency duration sufficient support, normal prevalence adapted life bogs, similar Delineation Manual, pages technical officers, interprets require: plant species conditions, accordance Fish Wildlife Service's List Plant Species Occur Wetlands; hydric saturated, flooded, ponded growing season become anaerobic, lacking oxygen, upper part; (3) hydrology, inundation saturation percent Research Program Technical Y-87-1 (online edition), 12-34 (Jan. 1987), http://www.saj.usace. *762 army.mil/permit/documents/87manual.pdf 16, "separated like." relates Eastern owners parcels Michigan. parcel, known site, 230 acres. expert testimony 28 which, turn, Huron." B11. evidently spills Drain, north property, carries Creek thence navigable. official testified observed carp spawning indicating direct surface-water second 275 acres, 64 Rose waterway. final 49 *763 linked times, site; controlled Rapanos' wife she (possibly entity) parties December 1988, hoping construct shopping center, asked Department inspect proceed project delineated (that identified preserved) obtained. Pursuing delineation option, hired consultant survey property. results displeased Rapanos: Informed 58 allegedly threatened "destroy" eradicated traces report. ordered $350,000-worth earthmoving landclearing work 22 He despite receiving cease-and-desist orders officials EPA. sites, workagain conducted violation compliance orders altered additional 17 15 respectively. charges Rapanos. alleged Specifically, claimed respond requests information, ignored orders. 1318(a), 1319(a). 13-day bench trial, made findings basis, *764 parcels. merits favor, finding claim proving existence three-part (These longer issue.) affirmed. 634 Salzburg, Road, involves shaped right triangle consisting 19.6 15.9 forested 257 917, 923 (ED Mich. 2003). Clair, 430-squaremile lake Canada popular boating fishing produces sport fish caught Great Lakes, Macomb County, Michigan, Amicus Curiae right-angle corner northwest. hypotenuse, northeast southwest, alongside separates conditionsthat landowners proposethe ordinarily, always, cf. 186a (administrative hearing Carabells "you start seeing overflow" "ten storm"). Near Sutherland-Oemig throughout Creek. creek turn southwest *765 1993 Keith Quality (MDEQ), assumed functions pursuant 1344(g). hoped 130 condominium units. MDEQ Administrative Law Judge directed approve alternative plan, involved 112 filling 12.2 creating retention 3.74 objected transferred 1344(j). office Carabells' "provides destroyed, increased risk erosion Clair." 127a. appeal. denial, review Procedure 706(2)(A). summary 917 704 question. Twice (1985), waterways. 139. *766 729 391, 1984) (decision Bayview), formed creek, remain effect, perform filtering purifying draining bodies, 320.4(b)(2)(vii) slowing runoff prevent flooding erosion, 320.4(b)(2)(iv), (v), critical habitat species, 320.4(b)(2)(i). 134-135. Recognizing "[a]n charged enforcing entitled conflict expressed Congress," Mfrs. 470 116, 125 (1984)), Act," 134. reserved, 131-132, 8. validity mudflats 171. mining operation "remnant excavation trenches" "evolv[ed] scattering ponds." 163. Asserting *767 164-165. theory. [Act] action. framework inquiry Court: Do invalid SWANCC? Taken together instances, exemplified close, deem connection. nexus, lacking. addresses requirement, respectful necessary. begins correct premise. points out, holds, enacting intended sense. Ante, 731; 133; supported evident concern ecosystems." Milwaukee Illinois, 451 304, 318 (1981) (describing all-encompassing *768 pollution regulation"). compelled explicit extending allowing (an option exercised), issuing for: shoreward mark, ebb tide higher west coast, thereto) jurisdiction." 1344(g)(1). Were apart "presently used" "susceptible use" commerce, "other than" clause, parenthetical overtake delegation outset. Congress, follows, mention moreover, 138-139, 11. From beginning proceeds Act; limitations, here submitted, purposes `[a]s lakes,' `the *769 bodies,'" 732 Second)), "relatively 732a "seasonal" rivers "dry months," 732-734, 5. Second, asserts right"waters, satisfy 742. requirementpermanent flow, period "some 732-733, 5makes quality. merest trickle, continuous, count regulation, torrents thundering irregular intervals otherwise not. seems presume insignificant focused always true. Areas western parts Nation examples. Los Angeles trickle looks roadway river. B. Gumprecht, River: Life, Death, Possible Rebirth 1-2 (1999); Martinez, City Angels' Signature Tapped Rebirth, Chicago Tribune, Apr. 10, 2005, 1, Yet releases volumes powerful destructive encased concrete steel length 50 miles. 227. waterway test, illustrative often-dry *770 County Dept. Public Works, Division: 2002-2003 Hydrologic Report, Runoff, Daily Discharge, F377-R BOUQUET CANYON CREEK Urbandale Avenue 11107860 Bouquet Saugus, CA, http://ladpw.org/wrd/report/0203/runoff/discharge.cfm (indicating much 122 cubic per Feb. 12, draw waterways, suggests Quite opposite, precludes emphasis permanence: "flood inundation," 2882, events impermanent although course adjective indicates waterways "water," 732, connotation (And contrary suggestion, 4, indication "`flood inundation'" poetry.) granting preferred definitionthat lakes,'" 2882)the observe stream, "`[a] fluid, earth,'" 733, 6 2493), flowing. 801 (also "`intermittent stream'" Harrisonville Dickey Clay Mfg. 289 334, 335 (1933)). follows paths streams. *771 dictionary, invokes confined, misplaced. compared stretch claim, "echoe[s]" dictionary's "`geographical lakes.'" 735 2882). cite relies, carrying 1221 (defining "hydrography" study seas, waters; specif[ically]. [t]he measurement investigation behavior esp[ecially] utilization Also incorrect attempt Interpreting point-source presumes, examples "watercourses flow," sources "separate categories." 735-736. *772 concludes, negative inference, intermittent. unsound. Nothing Polluted night day conduit yet still qualify source; exclude, effluent treatment plants. result, continuity rate, observes, undermines discontinuous. 802. limitationexclusion watersis unpersuasive. "indistinguishable" 755. imprecise, bog swamp bog, swamp, Actas 1344(g)(1), else, possible, 767-768. answer There, upholding "wetlands jurisdiction," deemed moisture ... find[s] adjacency serve valid intertwined ecosystem waterways." "If reasonable," explained, "for *773 effects ecosystem, stand." note, true, cited deferring Given, recognition overinclusive disconnected observations water's edge evident, outside proposition, accepted originating 125, Since theory, decision's issuean urges 751, 13 again overlook opinion's ecosystem," offer "continuous connection," proposition origination flood-based origin jurisdiction; indeed, presumed opposite. (noting permeation" added)). Needless say, *774 floodingthe exist floods. likewise, surface-connection implicit overruling approval factor determining 170-171. recognizes, applications. Indeed, draws structure surface-water-connection covers toxic dirt, like. substances 1362(6), (12). parallel impair argues asserting "does downstream." 744. questionable empirical matter. 806-807. loose fill, anchored grass roots travel wetland; factual possibility experts better assess plurality. Silt, human sources, major *775 environments, clog alter ecosystems, useful dams. Fountain, Unloved, Not Unbuilt, N. Y. Times, 5, 3, col. 1; DePalma, Rebuilding Upstate, Love Tiny Mussel, 26, 2004, B, 2; MacDougall, Damage Can Be Irreversible, 1987, pt. 4. granting, assumption stay filter purify slow 320.4(b)(2)(iv) (v)." runoff-control functions, increase would. dirty stored filtered release nutrients, toxins, pathogens trapped, neutralized, perhaps amenable detoxification Technology Assessment, Their Use Regulation, OTA-O-206, 43, 48-52 (Mar. 1984), http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/ota/ OTA_4/DATA/1984/8433.pdf OTA). floodwater, impurities, out concerns mind, one, absence interchange dredge activity scheme. *776 sum fallback avoidance compel unclear. 737-738. "application [the Corps'] regulations" raise Commerce Clause encroach regulation. observed, 737, resources," supporting applications raising federalism avoided applicationsthose involving nexusthat appeared likely, category, concerns. Here, contrast, fit raises. hand, lacking, forecloses abut waterseven traditionally saying (however remote) stream small), deems *777 reach. assuming, then, Comerce aggregate national quality, Wickard Filburn, 317 111 (1942); infra, 782-783, responsive concern. "responsibilities rights," noteworthy plus Columbia brief policies. York 1-3. protects out-of-state overall tone approachfrom "backfilling fields," 721, rejection "man-made regard carry, seemingly judgment, inconsequential 744, 11seems unduly dismissive interests Important served general particular. nutrientrich Mississippi created hypoxic, oxygen-depleted, "dead zone" Mexico times approaches Massachusetts Jersey. Association Managers 21-23; Institute Scientific play role controlling runoff. OTA 48-52; Tiner, Search Swampland: Sourcebook Field Guide 93-95 2005); Whitmire Hamilton, Rapid Removal *778 Nitrate Sulfate Freshwater Sediments, Env. 2062 indicates, 745-746, text. impose, insufficient Executive implement mandate. go presents 739, discretion, issued "enjoyed authority" issues 758 (concurring opinion). joined. averted disagreement anticipated advances. While reads nonexistent requirements out importance. 172 Power, 407-408), whenever however insubstantial, *779 owed choice words difficulties, contemplates Supra, 768. Nevertheless, effect. bearing `navigable' import," 133, relied, integral implication, status "integral environment"that waterswas Consistent meaning, depends assessed goals purposes. "restore 1251(a), pursued restricting dumping recognized, related watersfunctions trapping, control, storage. *780 320.4(b)(2). Accordingly, "navigable." When, speculative zone fairly encompassed vis-à-vis them, allows reaching "non-isolated This, though, incorrect. casesadjacency insubstantialraises Bayview; conclusive inference ecologic interconnection, sustainable showing alone. Furthermore, reserved event reasoningsupporting adjacencycould equally Through *781 adjudication, identify volume (either annually average), considerations, incorporating existing assurance. feeds thereof) possesses [certain] characteristics," 761. presumably rough measure regularity Assuming application, GAO 04-297, 3-4 2004), variation offices), specific minor standardwhich leave wide itprecludes adoption determinative comprising understood. *782 Cf. Leibowitz Nadeau, State-of-the-Science Future Directions, 23 663, 669 "`isolated' degree"). potential overbreadth avoid permissible, convenience necessity, comparable region. raised accommodates outlined presumption adoption. significant-nexus align serious difficulty. Pierce Guillen, 537 129, 147 (upholding legislation "aimed improving safety commerce"); Oklahoma ex rel. Phillips Guy Atkinson 508, 525-526 (1941) ("[J]ust essential desirable portions, key whole *783 .... [T]he aided needful activities agencies intrastate, commerce"). prevents problematic 776; legitimate departs structure. Gonzales Raich, 545 (2005) ("[W]hen minimis instances arising consequence" (internal marks omitted)). suggesting according principles above. end others dissent, valid. reviewing appropriate, standard. whom "eminently qualified" "highly credible," B7, "habitat, sediment nutrient recycling, peak diminution, reduction augmentation." 4 96 (Apr. 1999). "not studied *784 sites" performing pollutant-trapping observe: "we attenuation add peak. By token drier periods, thus, increasing low flow.... off accumulate trap nutrients later well," 95-96. assessing hydrology prong 761-762, regarding tables issue. bore Much establishment supplemented connected. Appeals, "can satisfied connection." uncertain. 779-780, suffice cases; linkage *785 reconsider Pullman-Standard Swint, 273, 291 (1982) ("When appellate discerns erroneous law, usual rule trial missing findings"). inquiry. "[b]esides wildlife [district office] major, long-term detrimental retention, recreation ecology," 218a. Similarly, office's evaluation, observed: destroy/adversely impact retains rainfall forest pollutants. Pollutants lawn fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, road salt, oil, grease. waterway.. Overall, cumulative impacts numerous projects few remaining developed." 97a-98a. evaluation "eliminat[ing] ability catch basin," "would contribute *786 accretion Creek." 98a. "see magnitude frequency." 99a. conditional assessments"potential ability," "possible flooding"could undue degree speculation, claims, 706(2)(E). show considered. gives quantity tributariesa Also, imprecise. considering framed not, correct. filtering, storage, (in waters) system. review, solely opposite property's edge. insufficient; inquiry, standard, INS Orlando Ventura, 16 (2002) (per curiam) ("Generally *787 place hands"). STEVENS, SOUTER, GINSBURG, BREYER join, dissenting. decided call achieving Herculean ending 1985, persuaded President Nixon veto Houses voted override margins. achieve goal, prohibited pollutant"defined source"without (Army Corps) (EPA). 1362(12)(A). narrow Corps; 04-1384 separating protected implicitly approved enforced revised creative criticisms *788 voiced Rejecting disregards nature complex stake. fails sufficiently faithful precedents plurality's. straightforward. by, animals, keeping excessive reducing absorbing resulting example Executive's provision. duty product Legislative Branches Government. Today's amendment large permits, requirements. shrift caseas 04-1384I length. 230-acre illustrative. *789 (MDNR) order feasibility building center there." B15. MDNR inspector probably sent 404 Act.[1] consultant, Dr. Frederick Goff. Goff "Rapanos `destroy' destroy report, refused pay until complied." meantime, companies $350,000 worth clearing land, spots, subsurface prevented inspectors visiting letter, obey Justice. unlawfully engaged Without activities. directing cease immediately. $158,000 275-acre 200-acre $463,000 destruction, *790 put expert, Willard, credible." B7. Willard diminution." 1999).[2] explained: "[G]enerally "By well." Rapanoses violated destroying unanimously 629 dramatic. 20-acre tract *791 ditch; rarely ever vice versa. 57,500 yards material. build 112-unit inspecting comments from, others, Unit Prosecutor's loss unacceptable wildlife, 79a), 84a-126a. summarized letter petitioners, included: "Your organisms round organisms. Additionally, minimization ecology manner soon recover discharges. individually cumulatively interest." 127a-128a. Judges *792 2004). defends judgments. squarely evaluated (2005); 323.2(a)(1), "authorizes obtain tributaries." 123 added).[3] *793 Chevron, "our reasonable, language, policies, regularly flooded Applying encompassing permissible. lines advance "congressional ecosystems," 133. revisionist 740-742, 746-747, contingent having Instead, acknowledged 37128 water.... *794 stand. moment, allow permit." closing, attention 1977, narrowed proponents removed altogether 135-139. Disregarding stark let dealt waters"`waters commerce.'" 168-169 323.2(a)(5) (1978); 163 328.2(a)(3) (1999), equivalent (1978)). provide[d] birds" *795 pools 162, 166. 1986 Migratory Rule, treated birds depended pools, "`[i]n Chambers, debate centered preservation'" truly 170 136).[4] *796 Unlike [or] tributaries," 123. maintaining 134-135, consequently downstream. Among "nesting, species"; waters"; purification functions." 320.4(b)(2) values "independent" 741instead, "chemical, nonisolated 131-135.[5] *797 1977. Chambers appropriated funds "`National Inventory'" help "`in Act.'" 135-139 1288(i)(2)). 135-139, 170-171 "[b]eyond desire waters,' persuasive any) depend wetland-by-wetland watershed's waterways," "simply Ibid.[6] sink *798 790, 2, keeps excess Clair sediment, 790-792. Seemingly alarmed involved, shies away affair. preserving high. cost [7]but amount fraction 1% $760 activity. Zilberman 80. exaggerated omission produced sheds revelatory impartiality) cost-benefit analysis.[8] *799 hard overstate. OTAO206, 43-61 http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/ota/OTA_4/DATA/1984/8433.pdf OTA) floodpeak reduction, shoreline protection, recharge, trapping suspended wildlife). 777 (KENNEDY, judgment). Unsurprisingly, curiae, county located. analysis, Judiciary. Whether judges. investments finance developments adversely affected persons communicate effectively representatives. Unless succeed convincing 1970's, owe satisfying "evident ecosystems" Justices 1985 *800 setting aside dramatic departure utterly imposes muddy "these it." 768 impropriety crafting highlighted party amicus them.[9] dry, permanent" 732. dump 290 yeareven year-round 5.[10] *801 arbitrary cites contain. treats "streams" "streams." 2493 Second), "`current earth'"). somehow deduces year). nn. 5-6. perennial streams.[11] Interior, Geological Survey, Topographic Map Symbols 3 http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/symbols/ (identifying symbols "[p]erennial stream" "[i]ntermittent stream," river" river"). E. Third 1180 (1961) Third) (linking "intermittent" "stream"). ourselves back 1932. (1933). Brandeis' dismissed "useful oxymor[on]," (plurality *802 attempts bolster citing tangential inapplicable construction. comes spoke pluralitythe 1362(14)has conceivable differently ones, "pipe[s], ditch[es], tunnel[s], conduit[s], well[s]" permanently intermittently.[12] announces "recognize, development, additions *803 run programs. 1344(g)(h). modified, 1251(b) preventing pollution. focusing stood 1972 Paper Ouellette, 479 481, 489-490 (1987) (interpreting additions), ample responsibilities. D. Warren Maine Bd. Protection, 386-387. tougher standards 1370, 1341(a)(1)not nearly nonpoint sources. fail overcome intruding "`essential source,'" 133 Rep. 92-414, 77 (1972)), accomplish aim. canon exceed Setting 173; 192-196 dissenting), warranted watershed, "There cannot, power, *804 watersheds 525 (1941). importantly, fundamental then-Justice Rehnquist writing 1981, law" "viewed `total restructuring' `complete rewriting' legislation." 317. regulation," casual perusal demonstrates comprehensive practically universal." 318, 12; 177-181 enter marks perennial, ephemeralin deference. Intermittent can, mantle surely wise. invention first. Trivializing changing "difficult `water' `wetland' begins." "intermittent, *805 enough. soaking hurricane seasonthus downstreamcan developers impunity, year. to'" wise, accepts Title "expressly wetlands." 138. "conclusively placed elsewhere ., various pari materia, strongly `wetlands.'" 138, on, "with unclear reached neglected dictionary. "[l]ying near, contiguous; neighboring; bordering "[o]bjects Adjacent other, contact." 32 26. reasonable. contiguous, neighboring," specifies *806 evaluate 9which 793; 772-774 (Kennedy, judgment) (observing demonstrate, 37129 endangers protect, 742-746. reasoning, conspicuously 726-729. understand, logic EPA's materials) stems identical rise difference, *807 soluble "alluvium" "silt" 2119, also, 707 ("Any degrades move degrade themselves"). harm stays upstream. protecting fish, 1251(a)(2); 385-386, seriously impaired spawn, "smother bottom-dwelling invertebrates spawning," 48. Erman Hawthorne, Quantitative Importance Stream Spawning Rainbow Trout, Transactions American Fisheries Society 675-681 (1976); Rivers Amici 14 anadromous salmon spawn small, streams). Parts IIA share judicially crafted distilled categorically clear. [Clean Act] Bayview." *808 written encompass 123, 8; apparent applicability think obviously releasing logical "limited" requires, 172; 133and disproves "`navigable,'" 779 fish-spawning forth. cumulatively, plausibly discernible am skeptical. "significant-nexus" compelling longstanding overbroad. diminish run. himself records *809 783; 784, parties. Developers wishing knowing get category-by-category) determinations, processing problems ones deferential avoided. 9 moment" intertwined" States). approachand sensible, bright-line rule. widespread recognitionbased 1969 burning Cuyahoga Clevelandthat appallingly polluted. 174-175 (dissenting succeeded restoring coated "[t]oday, location lined restaurants pleasure boat slips." Benefits Pollution Control 2000), http://www.epa.gov/ost/economics/assessment.pdf. curtailing needlessly jeopardizes doing owes *810 Executive, obligation laws fewer faults, affirm respectfully Members remand. coming commanding conduct has, occasion, join conform views.[13] proceedings, respective tests joined casesand satisfiedon reinstated met.[14] *811 BREYER, commerce. 181-182 Stevens' My Those intricately interconnected retail permissions. believe fully powers. "nexus" ("[T]he sense"). powers untouched. termsomething done. 837 *812 (subject review). updated ad hoc transforming scientific matters intended. Hence opinions, together, speedily NOTES [*] Together al., court. [] Briefs curiae urging reversal David Márquez, Alaska, Ruth Hamilton Heese T. Baker, Attorneys General, Roderick Walston, Mark Shurtleff, Utah, Martin, Jeffrey Kightlinger, Thomas Birmingham, Hentschke; Farm Bureau Federation Bishop; Petroleum Sayre Llewellyn, Harry Ng, Ralph Colleli, Jr.; Attainable Housing Alliance Sebastian Rucci; Cato Lynch; Claremont Center Constitutional Jurisprudence Eastman Edwin Meese III; CropLife America Richard Schwartz; Foundation Economic Progress Virginia Albrecht, Deidre G. Duncan, De-Pippo, Holmen, Conrad, Amar Sarwal; Home Builders Central Arizona Michael Pearce; Council Shopping Centers Gus Bauman; Mountain Legal William Perry Pendley; Duane Desiderio Ward; Stone, Sand Gravel Lawrence Liebesman; Pulte Carter Stephen Kinnaird; Western Coalition Arid Bazel Briscoe; Jr., Jackson; Charles Johnson Malamut, Andrew Grainger, Martin Newhouse, Kaufman. affirmance Eliot Spitzer, York, Caitlin Halligan, Peter H. Lehner, Smirlock, Benjamin Gutman, Lemuel Srolovic, Cox, Casey, Susan Shinkman, Margaret O. Murphy, jurisdictions follows: Terry Goddard Arizona, Mike Beebe Arkansas, Bill Lockyer California, Blumenthal Connecticut, Carl Danberg Delaware, Robert Spagnoletti Columbia, Crist, Florida, Bennett Hawaii, Lisa Madigan Miller Iowa, Gregory Stumbo Kentucky, Foti, Louisiana, Steven Rowe Maine, Joseph Curran, Maryland, Reilly Massachusetts, Hatch Minnesota, Jim Hood Jeremiah (Jay) Missouri, McGrath Montana, Kelly Ayotte Hampshire, Harvey Jersey, Patricia Madrid Mexico, Roy Cooper North Carolina, Petro Ohio, Drew Edmondson Oklahoma, Hardy Myers Oregon, Patrick Lynch Rhode Island, McMaster Summers Tennessee, Sorrell Vermont, Rob McKenna Washington, Peggy Lautenschlager Wisconsin; Cardozo, Leonard Koerner, Hilary Meltzer; Howard I. Fox; Interstate Administrators Dowling; Parenteau; Jan Goldman-Carter; Ducks Unlimited, James France, Neil Kagan; Seth P. Waxman, Louis Cohen, Leslie Carothers; Mitigation Banking Strand, Cooney, Royal Gardner; Organization Resource Councils Tebbutt; Carol Browner Deborah Sivas, Marshall, Holly Gordon; Jared Diamond Jason Rylander; Dingell Adler Amy Wildermuth; Calvin Johnson, pro se. Planning Nancy Stroud; Mackinac Policy Wright; Waterfront Employers Francis Froelich Carroll, Independent Business Gasaway Ashley Parrish. Perry, Popeo, Kamenar Washington Blanding Holman Derb Carter, Ecological Donald Harkins Reisdorf; Richardson. [1] directs thereof: conservation, economics, aesthetics, concerns, historic properties, values, hazards, navigation, accretion, recreation, supply energy needs, safety, food fiber production, mineral ownership people." 320.4(a). [2] indebted Sonoran famous exchange, movie Casablanca (Warner Bros. 1942), portrays vividly absurdity "`Captain Renault [Claude Rains]: "What heaven's name you Casablanca?" "`Rick [Humphrey Bogart]: "My health. came Renault: waters? We're desert." "`Rick: "I misinformed."'" 1117. [3] possibility, unsatisfactory, "other" intrastate. depriving meaning. understood, latter excludes (1871). retained import. [4] 770 judgment), approves poetic connoting inundation; fallen. `The peril wind, rocks.' Shak." "floods" "inundations" waterwaysand strange waxed Shakespearean prosaic, downright tedious, duller commonplace [5] describing permanent," lakes extraordinary drought. monthssuch 290-day, postulated dissent), 800. Common scientifically distinctions "perennial" doubt available, Hedman Osterkamp, Streamflow Characteristics Related Channel Geometry Streams (Water-Supply 2193), occasion exactly drying-up streambed frequent disqualify suffices "ephemeral" 801that "[c]oming going [b]roken, fitful," 1296, "existing only, than, day; diurnal short-lived," 857are "stream" geographically water: earth, river, brook, etc." emphasize flow: steady air, gas, like"; "[a]nything succession parts"; course; current; drift." verb continuity: "[t]o stream; freely course." definitions, phrases 328.3(a)(3) (2000), arelike Senator Bentsen's "`flowing gullies,'" 801, J.)useful oxymora. Properly extant "continuous[ly] flow[ing]"; usually concedes flowing," added)which occurs. evaporates channels. observe, channels, intermittently," 802 J.); 771-772 J.). do, "creeks," around castle technically "ditch," (because water) "moat." 1575. navigation described, "canal." 388. "stream," "channel," apt (for example) shape streambeds. Jennison Kirk, 98 453, 454-456 (1879) (referring "ditches" injury arose damage banks ditch); PUD 1 Jefferson Ecology, 700, 709 (1994) water-filled tube "tunnel" water-filled), 802, 12 reading, conduit[s]," thereby distinguishes highly artificial, manufactured, enclosed conveyance systemssuch "sewage plants," 772 "mains, pipes, hydrants, machinery, buildings, appurtenances incidents" city Knoxville's "system waterworks," Knoxville Knoxville, 22, 27 (1906), J.)likely contradict qualification condition. Just elaborate, par [8] rights" adequately demonstrated "33 litigation" 777. difference wish unburden content "responsibilit[y]" attractive shift entity controversial politically powerful, rival interests. That, provides. [9] objects clear-statement rules inappropriate raises," 776that resolution eliminates federal, questionably local. resolution, Kennedy's, overinclusion underinclusion minimum readingdespite disregarding textfares ours "fit" "avoidance concerns" acknowledges. admits, admission "tests understatement," 243, 286 (Scalia, dissenting)and aligns worse [10] "neighboring" Obiter inferred, (1977); immediately reiterated, regarded 134a 135; "`waters'" repeated begin; "reasonable proximity" confer following eliminated (2001). [11] `alluvium' `silt' [dredged material] downstream," 807 (citation 774-775 multiple analyses philological erosionincluding non-tidal pollute appreciable distance lacks credibility." Pierce, Principles Establishing Limits Jurisdiction 34-40 2003), http://www.wetland training.com/tpreljscwa.pdf, 26-27; 20-21; 29, 53 ("Fill migrate"). Such unnecessary, unremarkable mobile stationary [12] Nor thereto" purport expand concedes, 805, wetlandsnamely, "abut" conclusively (particularly 1362(7)], waters'); [13] exception (whether them) Act: floodbased `even permeation' added))." 773. supposed presumption, inundation. wrenched context. quotes followed "This holds permeation Clearly, 125) creation vel non irrelevant. [14] allusion story told attributed authors. Geertz, Thick Description: Toward Interpretive Theory Culture, Interpretation Cultures 28-29 (1973). favored version, guru affirms earth tiger. supports tiger, stands elephant; elephant giant turtle. asked, finally, turtle, briefly aback, quickly replies "Ah, turtles down." [15] opaque. exactly, insubstantial"? tell clearlyexcept suggest, "`"isolated" degree'" (2003)). hopefully 808, unverifiable constrain manifested. stating "[i]n above," 783, tips wink agency, inviting try again. suggests, 795-796, 1994 ("Additionally, invite your revisions needed CWA"); 1992 ("Today's [notice rulemaking] input what, any, S.', [notice] to, regulating, whether, dissenter wise take 1344(g)-(h), operates program, supervision "stud[y] statement" performed functions. 96. "d[id] opinion" 323.2(a)(2) (1985)." 124, 2 (making reservation). reserving glance 323.2(a)(3) 163-164 (considering substantively (1985) 323.2(a)(1) (covering waters), (4) subsection (a)(1) (a)(4) revising 757-758 neglects mention, 43 submit jurisdictionas 99% 133,000 submitters. GAO04-297, 14-15 http://www.gao.gov/new.items/ d04297.pdf Report) 14, file); Curiae. agencies' abandon responsible hand. (1999) (until now) seemed ("The seek 328.3(a)(3)(i)(iii) Courts unhesitatingly adjacentin wordto 698 drained waterway); 526 2001) (treating canals 598, 604 (CA7 "it adjacency" tributary); 1156 berms observing "SWANCC wetlands"); re Needham, 354 340 (CA5 (reading Oil 1990). permit[s]," applicants mitigate According plurality, 80% $29,000 (with median $12,000). 63, 74 Zilberman). 20% permitsthose wetlandsis $272,000 $155,000). placement sources"discernible, conveyance[s]"is needed. (14). in, farming activities; transportation structures; farm temporary roads. 1344(f). defending antagonism environmentalism, counters claiming "policy-laden." 746. influenced thinking admittedly taking 1251(a); 863 (1984) motivated Air Act's] enactment"). 21 petitioners' behalf asking half-argue jurisdictionthough 20, 7; 22-23; "seasonal rivers" "necessarily exclude[d]" jurisdictionand "rivers." explore semantic posed point. former point, meet permanent[ly]." failing explain itself, litigants lies. Bentsen "cover[s] gullies." History (Committee Print compiled Senate Works Library Congress), Ser. 95-14, 903 (1978). failed. 947. mystifying. emphasizes "moat" 736, 7. head scratching), "ditch" concerned. "canal" "river" permanently. 453 (1879), "ditch"not "stream"in round. (1906) Harlan, J.) "pipes" water); 742 opinion) (using "channel" round); Orleans Water-Works Rivers, 115 674, 683 (1885) "conduits" hotel). desired redefining credit lexicographylet justice. Screws 91, 131-134 (1945) (Rutledge, result); Turner Broadcasting System, FCC, 512 622, 674 (STEVENS, judgment); Hamdi Rumsfeld, 542 507, 553-554 (SOUTER, part, met future elect

Category: 7