solid waste agency northern cook county army corps engineers et argued october decided january petitioner consortium suburban chicago municipalities selected solid waste disposal site abandoned sand gravel pit excavation trenches evolved permanent seasonal ponds operation called filling ponds petitioner contacted federal respondents including army corps engineers corps determine landfill permit required clean water act cwa authorizes corps issue permits allowing discharge dredged fill material navigable waters cwa defines navigable waters waters corps regulations define waters include intrastate waters use degradation destruction affect interstate foreign commerce cfr corps attempted clarify jurisdiction stating dubbed migratory bird rule extends intrastate waters inter alia provide habitat migratory birds fed reg asserting jurisdiction instant site pursuant rule corps refused issue permit petitioner challenged corps jurisdiction merits permit denial district granted respondents summary judgment jurisdictional issue seventh circuit held congress authority commerce clause regulate intrastate waters migratory bird rule reasonable interpretation cwa held title cfr clarified applied petitioner site pursuant migratory bird rule exceeds authority granted respondents cwa pp riverside bayview homes held corps jurisdiction wetlands adjacent navigable waterway noting term navigable limited import congress evidenced intent regulate least waters deemed navigable term classical understanding holding based large measure upon congress unequivocal acquiescence approval corps regulations interpreting cwa cover wetlands adjacent navigable waters see expressed opinion question corps authority regulate wetlands adjacent open water statute text allow extension corps jurisdiction wetlands pp corps original interpretation cwa regulations emphasized water body capability use public transportation commerce determines whether navigable inconsistent espouses yet respondents present persuasive evidence corps mistook congress intent respondents contend whatever original aim congress amended cwa approved expansive definition navigable waters found corps regulations specifically respondents submit congress failure pass legislation overturned regulations extension environmental protection agency jurisdiction include waters traditional navigable waters indicates congress recognized accepted broad definition navigable waters includes nonnavigable isolated intrastate waters recognizes congressional acquiescence administrative interpretations statute extreme care failed legislative proposals particularly dangerous ground rest interpretation prior statute central bank denver first interstate bank denver bill proposed rejected number reasons respondents failed make necessary showing congress failure pass legislation demonstrates acquiescence regulations migratory bird rule section equally unenlightening conclusively determine construction placed use term waters elsewhere cwa riverside bayview homes supra pp even clear extend deference migratory bird rule chevron natural resources defense council administrative interpretation statute raise serious constitutional problems construe statute avoid problems unless construction plainly contrary congress intent edward debartolo florida gulf coast building constr trades council grant authority congress commerce clause though broad unlimited see morrison respondents arguments migratory bird rule falls within congress power regulate intrastate activities substantially affect interstate commerce raise significant constitutional questions yet nothing approaching clear statement congress intended reach abandoned sand gravel pit one issue permitting respondents claim federal jurisdiction ponds mudflats falling within migratory bird rule also result significant impingement traditional primary power land water use thus reads statute written avoid significant constitutional federalism questions rejects request administrative deference pp reversed rehnquist delivered opinion scalia kennedy thomas joined stevens filed dissenting opinion souter ginsburg breyer joined solid waste agency northern cook county petitioner army corps engineers et al writ certiorari appeals seventh circuit january chief justice rehnquist delivered opinion section clean water act cwa act stat amended regulates discharge dredged fill material navigable waters army corps engineers corps interpreted confer federal authority abandoned sand gravel pit northern illinois provides habitat migratory birds asked decide whether provisions may fairly extended waters whether congress exercise authority consistent commerce clause art cl answer first question negative therefore reach second petitioner solid waste agency northern cook county swancc consortium suburban chicago cities villages effort locate develop disposal site baled nonhazardous solid waste chicago gravel company informed municipalities availability parcel bestriding illinois counties cook kane site sand gravel pit mining operation three decades long since abandoned old mining site eventually gave way successional stage forest remnant excavation trenches evolving scattering permanent seasonal ponds varying size acre several acres depth several inches several feet municipalities decided purchase site disposal baled nonhazardous solid waste law swancc required file various permits cook county state illinois begin operation balefill project addition operation called filling permanent seasonal ponds swancc contacted federal respondents hereinafter respondents including corps determine federal landfill permit required cwa section grants corps authority issue permits discharge dredged fill material navigable waters specified disposal sites ibid term navigable waters defined act waters including territorial seas corps issued regulations defining term waters include waters intrastate lakes rivers streams including intermittent streams mudflats sandflats wetlands sloughs prairie potholes wet meadows playa lakes natural ponds use degradation destruction affect interstate foreign commerce cfr attempt clarify reach jurisdiction corps stated extends instrastate waters used habitat birds protected migratory bird treaties used habitat migratory birds cross state lines used habitat endangered species used irrigate crops sold interstate commerce fed reg last promulgation dubbed migratory bird rule corps initially concluded jurisdiction site contained wetlands areas support vegetation typically adapted life saturated soil conditions cfr however illinois nature preserves commission informed corps number migratory bird species observed site corps reconsidered ultimately asserted jurisdiction balefill site pursuant subpart migratory bird rule corps found approximately bird species observed site including several known depend upon aquatic environments significant portion life requirements thus november corps formally determined seasonally ponded abandoned gravel mining depressions located project site wetlands qualify waters based upon following criteria proposed site abandoned gravel mining operation water areas spoil piles developed natural character water areas used habitat migratory bird sic cross state lines army corps engineers chicago district dept army permit evaluation decision document lodging petitioner tab application process swancc made several proposals mitigate likely displacement migratory birds preserve great blue heron rookery located site balefill project ultimately received necessary local state approval swancc received special use planned development permit cook county board appeals landfill development permit illinois environmental protection agency approval illinois department conservation despite swancc securing required water quality certification illinois environmental protection agency corps refused issue permit corps found swancc established proposal least environmentally damaging practicable alternative disposal nonhazardous solid waste swancc failure set aside sufficient funds remediate leaks posed unacceptable risk public drinking water supply impact project upon species unmitigatable since landfill surface redeveloped forested habitat petitioner filed suit administrative procedure act et northern district illinois challenging corps jurisdiction site merits denial permit district granted summary judgment respondents jurisdictional issue petitioner abandoned challenge corps permit decision appeal appeals seventh circuit petitioner renewed attack respondents use migratory bird rule assert jurisdiction site petitioner argued respondents exceeded statutory authority interpreting cwa cover nonnavigable isolated intrastate waters based upon presence migratory birds alternative congress lacked power commerce clause grant regulatory jurisdiction appeals began analysis constitutional question holding congress authority regulate waters based upon cumulative impact doctrine single activity discernible effect interstate commerce may still regulated aggregate effect class activity substantial impact interstate commerce aggregate effect destruction natural habitat migratory birds interstate commerce held substantial year millions americans cross state lines spend billion dollars hunt observe migratory ibid appeals turned regulatory question held cwa reaches many waters commerce clause allows given earlier commerce clause ruling therefore followed respondents migratory bird rule reasonable interpretation act see granted certiorari reverse congress passed cwa stated purpose restor ing maintain ing chemical physical biological integrity nation waters congress chose recognize preserve protect primary responsibilities rights prevent reduce eliminate pollution plan development use including restoration preservation enhancement land water resources consult administrator exercise authority chapter relevant authorizes respondents regulate discharge fill material navigable waters statute defines waters including territorial seas respondents interpreted words cover abandoned gravel pit issue used habitat migratory birds conclude migratory bird rule fairly supported cwa first time called upon evaluate meaning riverside bayview homes held corps jurisdiction wetlands actually abutted navigable waterway noted term navigable limited import congress evidenced intent regulate least waters deemed navigable classical understanding term holding based large measure upon congress unequivocal acquiescence approval corps regulations interpreting cwa cover wetlands adjacent navigable waters see found congress concern protection water quality aquatic ecosystems indicated intent regulate wetlands inseparably bound waters significant nexus wetlands navigable waters informed reading cwa riverside bayview homes indeed express opinion question authority corps regulate discharges fill material wetlands adjacent bodies open water order rule respondents hold jurisdiction corps extends ponds adjacent open water conclude text statute allow indeed corps original interpretation cwa promulgated two years enactment inconsistent espouses regulations defined navigable waters mean waters subject ebb flow tide presently past may future susceptible use purposes interstate foreign commerce cfr corps emphasized water body capability use public purposes transportation commerce determinative factor respondents put forward persuasive evidence corps mistook congress intent respondents next contend whatever original aim congress charted new course five years later approved expansive definition navigable waters found corps regulations july corps formally adopted cfr defined waters include isolated wetlands lakes intermittent streams prairie potholes waters part tributary system interstate waters navigable waters degradation destruction affect interstate commerce respondents argue congress aware expansive interpretation amendments cwa specifically respondents point failed house bill defined navigable waters waters presently used susceptible use natural condition reasonable improvement means transport interstate foreign commerce cong rec also point passage authorizes state apply environmental protection agency permission administer individual general permit program discharge dredged fill material navigable waters waters presently used susceptible use natural condition reasonable improvement means transport interstate foreign commerce including wetlands adjacent thereto within jurisdiction failure pass legislation overturned corps regulations extension jurisdiction waters traditional navigable waters respondents submit indicate congress recognized accepted broad definition navigable waters includes nonnavigable isolated intrastate waters although recognized congressional acquiescence administrative interpretations statute situations done extreme ailed legislative proposals particularly dangerous ground rest interpretation prior statute central bank denver first interstate bank denver quoting pension benefit guaranty corporation ltv bill proposed number reasons rejected many others relationship actions inactions congress intent congress passing also considerably attenuated subsequent history less illuminating contemporaneous evidence hagen utah respondents face difficult task overcoming plain text import conclude respondents failed make necessary showing failure house bill demonstrates congress acquiescence corps regulations migratory bird rule course first appear although respondents cite legislative history showing congress recognition corps assertion jurisdiction isolated waters explained riverside bayview homes chambers debate proposals narrow definition navigable waters centered largely issue wetlands preservation beyond congress desire regulate wetlands adjacent navigable waters respondents point us persuasive evidence house bill proposed response corps claim jurisdiction nonnavigable isolated intrastate waters failure indicated congressional acquiescence jurisdiction section equally unenlightening riverside bayview homes recognized congress intended phrase navigable waters include least waters deemed navigable classical understanding term gives intimation waters might simply refers waters respondents conjecture waters must incorporate corps regulations also plausible petitioner contends congress simply wanted include waters adjacent navigable waters nonnavigable tributaries streams exact meaning us express opinion present purposes sufficient say riverside bayview homes conclusively determine construction placed use term waters elsewhere act particularly contains relevant definition navigable waters thus decline respondents invitation take see next ineluctable step riverside bayview homes holding isolated ponds seasonal wholly located within two illinois counties fall definition navigable waters serve habitat migratory birds counsel respondents conceded oral argument ruling assume use word navigable statute independent significance tr oral arg agree congress separate definitional use phrase waters constitutes basis reading term navigable waters statute said riverside bayview homes word navigable statute limited effect went hold extended nonnavigable wetlands adjacent open waters one thing give word limited effect quite another give effect whatever term navigable least import showing us congress mind authority enacting cwa traditional jurisdiction waters navigable fact reasonably made see appalachian elec power respondents relying upon arguments addressed contend least must said congress address precise question scope regard nonnavigable isolated intrastate waters therefore give deference migratory bird rule see chevron natural resources defense council find clear even agree respondents extend chevron deference administrative interpretation statute invokes outer limits congress power expect clear indication congress intended result see edward debartolo florida gulf coast building constr trades council requirement stems prudential desire needlessly reach constitutional issues assumption congress casually authorize administrative agencies interpret statute push limit congressional authority see ibid concern heightened administrative interpretation alters framework permitting federal encroachment upon traditional state power see bass nless congress conveys purpose clearly deemed significantly changed balance thus otherwise acceptable construction statute raise serious constitutional problems construe statute avoid problems unless construction plainly contrary intent congress debartolo supra twice past six years reaffirmed proposition grant authority congress commerce clause though broad unlimited see morrison lopez respondents argue migratory bird rule falls within congress power regulate intrastate activities substantially affect interstate commerce note protection migratory birds national interest nearly first magnitude missouri holland appeals found millions people spend billion dollars annually recreational pursuits relating migratory birds arguments raise significant constitutional questions example evaluate precise object activity aggregate substantially affects interstate commerce clear although corps claimed jurisdiction petitioner land contains water areas used habitat migratory birds respondents post litem motam focus upon fact regulated activity petitioner municipal landfill plainly commercial nature brief federal respondents far cry indeed navigable waters waters statute terms extends significant constitutional questions raised respondents application regulations yet find nothing approaching clear statement congress intended reach abandoned sand gravel pit permitting respondents claim federal jurisdiction ponds mudflats falling within migratory bird rule result significant impingement traditional primary power land water use see hess port authority corporation egulation land use function traditionally performed local governments rather expressing desire readjust balance manner congress chose recognize preserve protect primary responsibilities rights plan development use land water resources thus read statute written avoid significant constitutional federalism questions raised respondents interpretation therefore reject request administrative hold cfr clarified applied petitioner balefill site pursuant migratory bird rule fed reg exceeds authority granted respondents cwa judgment appeals seventh circuit therefore reversed solid waste agency northern cook county petitioner army corps engineers et al writ certiorari appeals seventh circuit january justice stevens justice souter justice ginsburg justice breyer join dissenting cuyahoga river cleveland ohio coated slick industrial waste caught fire congress responded dramatic event others like enacting federal water pollution control act fwpca amendments stat amended et commonly known clean water act clean water act cwa act act proclaimed ambitious goal ending water pollution past interpretations cwa fully consistent goal although congress vision zero pollution remains unfulfilled pursuit unquestionably retarded destruction aquatic environment nation waters longer burn today however takes unfortunate step needlessly weakens principal safeguard toxic water fair characterize clean water act watershed legislation statute endorsed fundamental changes purpose scope federal regulation nation waters rivers harbors appropriation act rha stat amended congress assigned army corps engineers corps mission regulating discharges certain waters order protect use highways transportation interstate foreign commerce scope corps jurisdiction rha accordingly extended waters navigable cwa however congress broadened corps mission include purpose protecting quality nation waters esthetic health recreational environmental uses scope jurisdiction therefore redefined encompass waters including territorial seas definition requires neither actual potential navigability previously held corps broadened jurisdiction cwa properly included acre parcel marshy land navigable directly adjacent navigable water even hydrologically connected navigable water part larger area characterized poor drainage ultimately abutted navigable creek riverside bayview homes broad finding riverside bayview congress acquiesced corps understanding jurisdiction applies equally parcel issue moreover congress crossed legal watershed separates navigable streams commerce marshes inland lakes principled reason limiting statute protection waters wetlands happen lie near navigable stream decision today draws new jurisdictional line one invalidates migratory bird regulation well corps assertion jurisdiction waters except actually navigable waters tributaries wetlands adjacent holding rests two equally untenable premises congress passed cwa intend exert anything commerce power navigation ante congress drew boundary defining corps jurisdiction odd line today settles shall explain text amendments affords support holding amendments congress adopted support corps present interpretation mission extending isolated waters indeed simple common sense cuts particular definition corps jurisdiction favored majority significance fwpca amendments illuminated reference history federal water regulation history majority largely ignores federal regulation nation waters began century efforts targeted exclusively promot ing water transportation commerce kalen commerce conservation call national water policy evolution federal jurisdiction wetlands rev goal pursued various rivers harbors acts comprehensive rha section rha commonly known refuse act prohibited discharge refuse navigable water tributaries well deposit refuse bank navigable water whereby navigation shall may impeded obstructed without first obtaining permit secretary army stat middle century goals federal water regulation began shift away exclusive focus protecting navigability toward concern preventing environmental degradation kalen awakening interest use federal power protect aquatic environment helped along efforts reinterpret rha order apply permit requirement industrial discharges navigable waters even discharges nothing impede navigability see republic steel noting term refuse broad enough include industrial waste seeds nascent concern pollution control also found fwpca first enacted incrementally expanded following shift focus federal water regulation protecting navigability toward environmental protection reached dramatic climax passage cwa act passed amendment existing fwpca universally described supporters first truly comprehensive federal water pollution legislation major purpose cwa establish comprehensive policy elimination water pollution reprinted legislative history water pollution control act amendments committee print compiled senate committee public works library congress ser hereinafter leg hist emphasis added congressman remarks legislation complete without reference comprehensive nature milwaukee illinois rehnquist house sponsor described bill comprehensive water pollution bill ever drafted leg hist mizell senator randolph chairman committee public works stated perhaps comprehensive legislation congress ever developed particular field environment therefore undoubtedly correct described amendments establishing comprehensive program controlling abating water pollution train city new york section cwa resembles rha unlike earlier statute primary purpose maintenance navigability principally intended pollution control measure comparison contents rha act vividly illustrates fundamental difference purposes two provisions earlier statute contains pages detailed appropriations improvements specific navigation facilities stat studies concerning feasibility canal across isthmus panama surveys advisability harbor improvements numerous locations tellingly broadly prohibits discharge refuse navigable waters contains exception refuse flowing streets sewers liquid state act contrast appropriated large sums money research related programs water pollution control stat construction water treatment works strikingly absent declaration goals policy reference avoiding removing obstructions navigation instead principal objective act stated congress restore maintain chemical physical biological integrity nation waters congress therefore directed federal agencies develop comprehensive programs preventing reducing eliminating pollution navigable waters ground waters improving sanitary condition surface underground waters cwa commands federal agencies give due regard interest unobstructed navigation rather improvements necessary conserve waters protection propagation fish aquatic life wildlife recreational purposes ibid statute ambitious comprehensive goals course necessary expand jurisdictional scope thus although congress opted carry traditional jurisdictional term navigable waters rha prior versions fwpca broadened definition term encompass waters indeed conferees arrived final formulation specifically deleting word navigable definition originally appeared house version majority today undoes deletion conference report explained definition intended given broadest possible constitutional interpretation conf reprinted leg hist dismisses clear assertion legislative intent back hand ante statement claims signifies congress intended exert nothing commerce power navigation ibid majority reading drains meaning conference amendment congress commerce clause power navigation long since established daniel ball wall gilman philadelphia wall gibbons ogden wheat congress intend assertion federal jurisdiction given broadest possible constitutional interpretation intend reach beyond heartland commerce power activities regulated cwa nothing congress commerce power navigation indeed goals statute nothing navigation recognized riverside bayview interests served statute embrace protection significant natural biological functions including food chain production general habitat nesting spawning rearing resting various species aquatic wildlife wetlands isolated inland lakes interest equally powerful regardless proximity swamp water navigable stream nothing text stated purposes legislative history cwa supports conclusion congress contemplated much less commanded odd jurisdictional line drawn today majority accuses respondents reading term navigable statute ante accomplished congress deleted word definition definition appropriate focus attention babbitt sweet home chapter communities great refusing guided definition term take construing term within endangered species act looking instead meaning terms contained definition take supplied statute moreover proper understanding history federal water pollution regulation makes clear even respondents broad reading presence word navigable statute inexplicable term initially used various rivers harbors acts time statutes first enacted congress power nation waters viewed extending water bodies deemed navigable therefore suitable moving goods markets power statutes primary purpose protecting navigation congress choice employ term navigable waters clean water act simply continued nearly century usage viewed light history federal water regulation broad definition congress unambiguous instructions conference report clear term navigable waters operates statute shorthand waters federal authority may properly asserted ii majority correctly notes ante corps first promulgated regulations pursuant act construed authority essentially reaction regulations federal environmental protection agency epa convinced corps statute required protect water quality full extent ommerce lause extend federal regulation discharges many areas never subject federal permits form water quality protection fed reg corps therefore adopted interim regulations upheld riverside bayview noted case new regulations understood waters include navigable waters tributaries also nonnavigable intrastate waters whose use misuse affect interstate commerce regulations provided new program become effective three phases phase became effective immediately encompassed navigable waters covered regulation rha phase effective july extended corps jurisdiction nonnavigable tributaries freshwater wetlands adjacent primary navigable waters lakes phase effective july extended corps jurisdiction waters covered statute including waters covered phases intermittent rivers streams tributaries perched wetlands contiguous adjacent navigable waters district engineer determines necessitate regulation protection water quality fed reg final version regulations adopted made clear covered waters included isolated lakes wetlands intermittent streams prairie potholes waters part tributary system interstate waters navigable waters degradation destruction affect interstate commerce corps broadened reading jurisdiction provoked opposition among members congress result congress considered proposal limited corps jurisdiction waters used reasonable improvement used means transport interstate foreign commerce adjacent wetlands bill embodying proposal passed house defeated senate debates demonstrate congress fully aware corps understanding scope jurisdiction act summarized debates opinion riverside bayview chambers debate proposals narrow definition navigable waters centered largely issue wetlands preservation see cong rec house debate senate debate proponents limited jurisdiction contended corps assertion jurisdiction wetlands nonnavigable waters far exceeded congress intended enacting opponents proposed changes argued narrower definition navigable waters purposes exclude vast stretches crucial wetlands corps jurisdiction detrimental effects wetlands ecosystems water quality aquatic environment generally debate particularly senate lengthy house debate ended adoption narrowed definition waters senate limiting amendment defeated old definition retained conference committee adopted senate approach efforts narrow definition waters abandoned legislation ultimately passed words senator baker retain ed comprehensive jurisdiction nation waters exercised federal water pollution control act net result extensive debate congressional endorsement position corps maintains today explained riverside bayview scope corps asserted jurisdiction wetlands specifically brought congress attention congress rejected measures designed curb corps jurisdiction large part concern protection wetlands unduly hampered narrowed definition navigable waters although chary attributing significance congress failure act refusal congress overrule agency construction legislation least evidence reasonableness construction particularly administrative construction brought congress attention legislation specifically designed supplant even majority correct congress extend corps jurisdiction cwa reach beyond navigable waters nonnavigable tributaries congress rejection house efforts cut back corps assertion jurisdiction clearly indicates congressional acquiescence assertion indeed broad determination riverside bayview congress acquiesced regulations issue case foreclose petitioner present urgings contrary majority refusal today decision acknowledge scope prior decision troubling compare congress acquiesced administrative construction corps jurisdiction ante conclude respondents failed make necessary showing failure house bill demonstrates congress acquiescence corps regulations already concluded congress acquiesced corps regulatory definition jurisdiction wrong reverse course today see dickerson rehnquist doctrine stare decisis carries persuasive force always required departure precedent supported special justification important bill become law provisions actually included revisions instead agreeing sought withdraw corps jurisdiction isolated waters congress opted exempt several classes waters federal control stat example amendments expressly exclude corps regulatory power discharge fill material purpose construction maintenance farm stock ponds irrigation ditches maintenance drainage ditches purpose construction temporary sedimentation basins construction site include placement fill material navigable waters ibid specific exemption waters corps jurisdiction indicates congress recognized similarly isolated waters covered exceptions fall within statute outer limits addition enumerated exceptions amendments included new section authorized administer permit programs certain nonnavigable waters section provides relevant part governor state desiring administer individual general permit program discharge dredged fill material navigable waters waters presently used susceptible use natural condition reasonable improvement means transport interstate foreign commerce including wetlands adjacent thereto within jurisdiction may submit administrator full complete description program proposes establish administer state law interstate compact section reference navigable waters waters presently used susceptible use transporting commerce adjacent wetlands appears suggest congress viewed accepted act regulations covering navigable waters traditional sense majority correctly points ambiguous indicate precisely far congress considered federal jurisdiction extend ante ignores provision legislative history makes clear congress understood therefore federal jurisdiction extend navigable waters nonnavigable tributaries also isolated waters issue case conference report discussing amendments example establish es process allow governor state administer individual general permit program discharge dredged fill material phase waters approval program administrator conf reprinted legislative history clean water act committee print compiled committee environment public works library congress ser emphasis added hereinafter leg hist cwa similarly senate report discussing amendments explains orps continue administer section permit program navigable waters discharge dredge fill material approval state program phase waters reprinted leg hist cwa emphases added course already discussed phase waters navigable waters contiguous wetlands phase waters primary tributaries navigable waters adjacent wetlands phase waters waters covered statute include isolated waters intermittent rivers streams tributaries perched wetlands contiguous adjacent navigable waters legislative history amendments therefore plainly establishes enacted congress believed desired corps jurisdiction extend beyond navigable waters tributaries wetlands adjacent dismissing significance majority quotes context language senate report quoted ante true report committee amendment redefine navigable waters reprinted leg hist cwa emphasis added majority fails point quoted language appears course explanation senate refusal go along house efforts narrow scope corps cwa jurisdiction traditionally navigable waters thus immediately preceding sentence warns limit jurisdiction fwpca reference discharges pollutants dredged fill material cripple efforts achieve act objectives ibid well heed warning majority also places great weight ante statement riverside bayview conclusively determine construction placed use term waters elsewhere act emphasis added simply selective reading case also went say respect significance various provisions act read pari materia ibid ultimate conclusion riverside bayview suggest strongly term waters used act supports corps reading ibid iii although might appeared problematic linguistic level corps classify lands waters riverside bayview today however majority refuses extend deference agency construction statute see ante refusal unfaithful riverside bayview chevron majority reading agency violence scheme congress chose put place contrary suggestion corps interpretation statute encroac upon traditional state power land use ante land use planning essence chooses particular uses land environmental regulation core mandate particular uses land requires however land used damage environment kept within prescribed limits california coastal granite rock cwa code paradigm environmental regulation regulation accepted exercise federal power hodel virginia surface mining reclamation particularly ironic raise specter federalism construing statute makes explicit efforts foster local control water regulation faced calls cut back federal jurisdiction water pollution congress rejected attempts narrow scope jurisdiction incorporating opted instead scheme encouraged supplant federal control regulatory programs reprinted leg hist cwa committee amendment redefine navigable waters instead committee amendment intends assure continued protection nation waters allows assume primary responsibility protecting lakes rivers streams swamps marshes portions navigable waters outside orps program phase waters emphasis added illinois taken advantage opportunities offered federalism concerns majority adverts misplaced corps interpretation statute extending beyond navigable waters tributaries navigable waters wetlands adjacent manifestly reasonable therefore entitled deference iv convinced miserly construction statute incorrect shall comment briefly petitioner argument congress without power prohibit filling part acres ponds property cook county illinois corps exercise permitting power isolated waters serve habitat migratory birds falls well within boundaries set commerce clause jurisprudence lopez identified three broad categories activity congress may regulate commerce power channels interstate commerce instrumentalities interstate commerce persons things interstate commerce activities substantially affect interstate commerce ibid migratory bird rule issue properly analyzed third category order constitute proper exercise congress power intrastate activities substantially affect interstate commerce necessary individual instance activity substantially affect commerce enough taken aggregate class activities question effect perez noting class regulated activities individual instance considered affects commerce analysis see also hodel activity regulated case corps regulations general discharge fill material water corps assert jurisdiction petitioner land simply waters used habitat migratory birds asserted jurisdiction petitioner planned discharge fill waters used habitat migratory birds petitioner intended engage activity besides discharging fill activity regulate conversely waters habitat migratory birds basis federal jurisdiction corps never become involved petitioner use land doubt unlike class activities congress attempting regulate morrison crimes lopez possession guns near school property discharge fill material nation waters almost always undertaken economic reasons see albrecht goode wetland regulation real world exh demonstrating overwhelming majority acreage permits sought intended commercial industrial economic use moreover one disputes discharge fill isolated waters serve migratory bird habitat aggregate adversely affect migratory bird populations see secretary interior report congress impact federal programs wetlands lower mississippi alluvial plain prairie pothole region noting isolated phase waters among important also threatened ecosystems hey prime nesting grounds many species north american waterfowl provide percent production migratory waterfowl petitioner dispute particular waters seeks fill home many important species migratory birds including breeding colony great blue herons northeastern illinois app pet cert several species waterfowl protected international treaty illinois endangered species laws brief federal respondents addition intrinsic value migratory birds see missouri holland noting importance migratory birds protectors forests crops food supply undisputed literally millions people regularly participate birdwatching hunting activities generate host commercial activities great causal connection filling wetlands decline commercial activities associated migratory birds attenuated morrison direct concrete cf gibbs babbitt relationship red wolf takings interstate commerce quite direct red wolves red wolf related tourism finally migratory bird rule blur distinction truly national truly local morrison holding water article commerce migratory birds waters rely resources moreover protection migratory birds federal responsibility justice holmes noted missouri holland federal interest protecting birds first magnitude transitory nature protected national action ibid whether necessary appropriate refuse allow petitioner fill ponds question voice whether federal government power require permission however question easily answered commerce clause empowers congress regulate particular activities causing air water pollution environmental hazards may effects one state hodel also empowers congress control individual actions aggregate effect perez wickard merit petitioner constitutional argument affirm judgment appeals respectfully dissent footnotes corps issued migratory bird rule without following notice comment procedures outlined administrative procedure act relying upon earlier decision hoffman homes epa report census bureau appeals found approximately million americans spent billion hunt migratory birds percent crossing state lines another million americans observed migratory birds million traveling purpose observing shorebirds see respondents refer us portions legislative history believe indicate congress intent expand definition navigable waters although conference report includes statement conferees intend term navigable waters given broadest possible constitutional interpretation conf neither anything else legislative history respondents point signifies congress intended exert anything commerce power navigation indeed respondents admit legislative history somewhat ambiguous see brief federal respondents bill passed house similarly worded amendment bill originating senate failed see cong rec bob jones univ example upheld internal revenue service irs revenue ruling revoked status private schools practicing racial discrimination irs interpretation relevant statutes correct congress held hearings precise issue making hardly conceivable congress setting member congress abundantly aware going fewer bills introduced overturn irs interpretation failed absent overwhelming evidence acquiescence loath replace plain text original understanding statute amended agency interpretation see consumer product safety gte sylvania ven otherwise useful subsequent legislative history rarely override reasonable interpretation statute gleaned language legislative history prior enactment respondents cite example senate report referred corps isolated waters regulation see however report reiterated committee amendment redefine navigable waters ibid respondents also make passing reference congress decision exempt certain types discharges including example discharge dredged fill material purpose construction maintenance farm stock ponds irrigation ditches maintenance drainage ditches stat regulates dredged fill material discharged navigable waters congress decision exempt certain types discharges affect much less address definition navigable waters violations cwa carry criminal penalties see petitioner invokes rule lenity another basis rejecting corps interpretation cwa brief petitioner need address alternative argument see shabani footnotes see adler landman cameron clean water act years later see also app pet cert brief riverside bayview district riverside bayview found direct hydrological connection parcel issue nearby navigable waters app pet cert riverside bayview wetlands characteristics parcel due surface groundwater connection actually navigable water poor drainage resulting lamson soil underlay property brief respondent riverside bayview nevertheless found occasional surface runoff property nearby waters constitute meaningful connection riverside bayview brief riverside bayview course ecological connection wetlands nearby waters also played central role decision riverside bayview types connection also present many possibly isolated waters brief gene likens et al amici curiae indeed although majority petitioner refer waters petitioner site isolated ante brief petitioner role habitat migratory birds birds serve important functions ecosystems waters throughout north america suggests ecologically speaking waters issue case anything isolated see also rivers harbors appropriations act stat river harbor act stat river harbor appropriations act stat river harbor appropriations act stat house committee government operations followed lead advocated use pollution control provision pp president nixon responded issuing executive order fed reg revoked exec order fed reg created refuse act permit program power fox chicken coop regulatory program army corps engineers rev hereinafter power program ended soon started however district reading language literally held permit program invalid ibid see kalur resor supp dc fwpca applied interstate waters stat subsequently harmonized rivers harbors act like earlier statute fwpca defined jurisdiction reference navigable waters pub stat none early versions fwpca fairly described establishing comprehensive approach problem contain within several elements later employed cwa milwaukee illinois rehnquist congress intended something quite different act rodgers environmental law air water pp describing early versions fwpca definition navigable water earlier versions fwpca made express reference navigability stat version adopted house representatives defined navigable waters navigable waters including territorial seas reprinted leg hist cwa ultimately defined navigable waters simply waters including territorial seas corps later acknowledged regulations limited section permit program waters regulated river harbor act fed reg although refusing defer corps present interpretation statute ante majority strangely attributes significance corps initial reluctance read act expanding jurisdiction ante respondents put forward persuasive evidence corps mistook congress intent stranger still construing statute extending nonnavigable tributaries adjacent wetlands majority reads statute broadly regulations seems willing accept correct construction corps jurisdiction make clear text abundant evidence corps wrong wrong today see natural resources defense council callaway supp dc holland supp md letter head army corps engineers epa administrator expressed disagreement corps parsimonious view jurisdiction cwa section federal water pollution control act amendments hearings senate committee public works letter dated june russell train administrator epa gribble chief corps engineers epa agency generally administers cwa except otherwise provided see also op atty congress intended confer upon administrator epa final administrative authority determine reach term navigable waters house committee government operations noted disagreement epa corps meaning navigable waters ultimately expressed agreement epa broader reading statute pp fed reg amended cfr migratory bird rule upon corps based assertion jurisdiction case merely specific application general jurisdictional definition first adopted rules rule operates rule thumb identifying waters fall within corps jurisdiction phase waters first appeared preamble repromulgation corps definition navigable waters fed reg corps stated preamble repromulgation intended alter jurisdiction way ibid instead corps indicated migratory bird rule enacted simply clarif scope existing jurisdictional regulations ibid majority appears believe position consistent riverside bayview case reservation question whether corps jurisdiction extends certain wetlands necessarily adjacent waters clear context question reserved riverside bayview concern isolated waters issue case rather isolated wetlands see called upon address question authority corps regulate discharges fill material wetlands adjacent bodies open water unlike open waters present petitioner site wetlands lands inundated saturated surface ground water frequency duration sufficient support normal circumstances support prevalence vegetation typically adapted life saturated soil conditions wetlands generally include swamps marshes bogs similar areas cfr believe actually navigable waters lie heart congress commerce power isolated nonnavigable waters lie closer well within margin isolated wetlands marginally waters marginal category waters potentially covered statute question extension federal jurisdiction category waters riverside bayview reserved question presented case event attach significance report statement committee amendments redefine navigable waters one must first accept majority erroneous interpretation act report upon majority relies fwpca exercised comprehensive jurisdiction nation waters control pollution fullest constitutional extent reprinted leg hist cwa emphases added even flawed reading earlier statute correct however language points counsel finding congressional acquiescence corps regulations quite contrary perspective congress regulations constituted status quo proposed amendments sought alter considering report favorable references corps continu ing jurisdiction phase waters language concerning failure amendments redefine navigable waters cuts strongly majority position instead completely excises phase waters scope act ibid fact petitioner conceive people may discharge fill noneconomic reasons weaken legitimacy corps jurisdictional claims observed perez class activities regulated class within reach federal power courts power excise trivial individual instances class internal quotation marks omitted bird species using petitioner site habitat include great egret heron night heron canada goose wood duck mallard greater yellowlegs belted kingfisher northern waterthrush louisiana waterthrush swamp sparrow blackbird brief petitioner congress office technology assessment found million americans hunted migratory birds spending million congress office technology assessment wetlands use regulation mar million americans spent almost billion watch photograph fish wildlife ibid million birdwatchers million took trips order observe feed photograph waterfowl million took trips specifically view birds herons like residing petitioner site dept interior fish wildlife service dept commerce bureau census national survey fishing hunting recreation issued justice thomas member expressed disagreement aggregation principle lopez concurring opinion