Court Opinion

ID: 9484534
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 09:56:13.780556+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:50:18.160578
License: Public Domain

MANION, Circuit Judge,
concurring in the judgment.
I agree with the court’s conclusion that the EPA has no authority to regulate Area A, but for different reasons. I would vacate the EPA’s order in this case for the reasons set out in Hoffman Homes, Inc. v. EPA, 961 F.2d 1310 (7th Cir.1992) (since vacated). I incorporate by reference that previously published opinion as my concurrence, subject to the following additional comments.
I agree with the court’s holding that the CJO did not misconstrue the EPA’s permit regulation, 40 C.F.R. § 230.3(s)(3). That regulation provides that the EPA has jurisdiction over all wetlands “the use, degradation, or destruction of which could affect interstate or foreign commerce.” The CJO interpreted this regulation to give the EPA jurisdiction over any wetland that could have a “minimal, potential effect” on interstate commerce. This construction is reasonable, given that it is consistent with the regulation’s assertion of jurisdiction over wetlands that “could affect interstate commerce.” To overturn the CJO’s interpretation of the regulation would be inconsistent with the great *263deference we give to an agency’s interpretation of its own regulations.
The regulation reflects the EPA’s position that the Clean Water Act gives it jurisdiction over all “waters” — including wetlands within reach of the Commerce Clause. Does the Clean Water Act give the EPA jurisdiction over Area A? Area A is an “isolated wetland,” and isolated wetlands by definition have no effect on the waters of the United States. That definition is not pulled from thin air; rather, it is the EPA’s own definition. The ALJ found that Area A has no surface or ground water connection to any other body of water, does not perform any water quality functions as to any other body of water, and is not actually used as a wildlife habitat. The EPA has never challenged these findings, and the CJO did not alter or discard them. Thus, the ALJ’s findings are the EPA’s findings; in other words, the ALJ’s definition of “isolated wetlands” is the EPA’s definition.
It follows from the EPA’s own definition of “isolated wetlands” that regulating Area A does not further the.Clean Water Act’s purpose to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.” See 33 U.S.C. § 1251. Therefore, the Clean Water Act does not give the EPA authority to regulate Area A, even if the Commerce Clause allows Congress to regulate isolated wetlands. See 961 F.2d at 1312-16 for a fuller discussion of the Clean Water Act’s construction.
But even if the EPA were correct that the Clean Water Act authorizes regulation of isolated wetlands, I would still vacate the EPA’s ordeif in this case. For reasons stated in the previous panel opinion in this case, I would hold 'that the Commerce Clause does not empower Congress to regulate isolated wetlands such as Area A. See 961 F.2d at 1316-23. To hold otherwise would be, in effect, to hold that Congress’ power under the Commerce Clause is virtually limitless. The commerce power as construed by the courts is indeed expansive, but not so expansive as to authorize regulation of puddles merely because a bird traveling interstate might, decide to stop for a drink.