This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
Petitioners Michael and Chantell Sackett purchased land near Priest Lake, Idaho, began backfilling the lot, and the EPA ordered them to restore the site, threatening penalties of over $40,000 per day.
The Supreme Court granted certiorari to decide the proper test for determining whether wetlands are “waters of the United States.”
Background and question before the Court
According to Justice Thomas, the case concerns whether intrastate, purely intrastate, navigable bodies of water are “waters of the United States.”
What each side argues
Petitioners
According to Damien M. Schiff, the “significant nexus” test is far broader than the traditional line‑drawing test and better fits the case.
Respondents
The EPA contends that the “significant nexus” test has no statutory basis and is implausible, extending the definition of “waters of the United States” too far.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
According to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Corps asserts jurisdiction only over traditional navigable waters, consistent with its historic authority to regulate obstructions to navigation.
Amicus (State of Alaska)
According to State of Alaska, according to the State of Alaska, amici curiae filed briefs urging reversal of the lower‑court decision.
What happened at oral argument
What the Court decided
The Court granted certiorari to decide the proper test for determining whether wetlands are “waters of the United States.”
Why it matters
The case determines the scope of EPA and Corps regulatory authority over wetlands, affecting enforcement actions and potential penalties for landowners.
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 817544c091c797f52201-r1-3c5942d83fce1e04.pdforal argument transcript
- 899b081b12c9d0e172c1-r1-af7b29e1907045cb.pdfopinion
Guide generated September 29, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.