Trump administration to roll back Obama-era rule protecting US wetlands and streams

Legislation designed to preserve United States' natural environment

The Trump administration plans to revoke an Obama-era regulation that provided federal protection to many US wetlands and streams.

Two Environmental Protection Agency officials with knowledge of the plan said the administration aims to substitute the rule with its own version.

EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Army for Civil Works Assistant Secretary RD James will discuss the decision later this week.

Donald Trump has promised to repeal the 2015 Obama rule, which defines what bodies of water fall under federal jurisdiction.

Farmers, homebuilders and other business interests say the rule has harmed economic development and violates property rights.

Environmentalists say the move would leave millions of Americans with less safe drinking water and damage wetlands that prevent flooding.

AP