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Behind The Lens episode 217: ‘Wetlands may be severed from that historic protection’

A new judicial interpretation of the Clean Water Act leaves more than half of the country’s 118 million acres of wetlands unprotected, including the swamps of Acadiana and key waterfowl habitat.
by Carolyne Heldman
CPRA has helped to build up 55,000 acres of coastal wetlands. Within the nation’s larger ecological system, wetlands help to process pollution and excess nutrients and store water in a way that can prevent flooding. Photo by Mizani Ball / The Lens

This week on Behind The Lens, as the Clean Water Act turns 51, environmental advocates scramble to understand a new judicial interpretation that leaves more than half of the country’s 118 million acres of wetlands unprotected, including the swamps of Acadiana and key waterfowl habitat.

Louisiana’s inland, non-tidal wetlands are most at risk to lose protections from weakened Clean Water Act.

Our guests this week are Lens reporter Delaney Dryfoos and managing editor Katy Reckdahl. 

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com. 

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Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman Rovira has been in media for 35 years, and is currently the podcast host and producer for Behind The Lens. Heldman served as executive director at Aspen Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, where she launched four weekly news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programs. She has been a guest lecturer at Tulane University, is a frequent guest and moderator for the Aspen Institute, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute.

View all posts by Carolyne Heldman