The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed dialing back federal protections for many wetlands and streams across the country.

Environmental advocates say the change could lead to increased pollution and destruction of wetlands that provide valuable benefits, including flood protection and wildlife habitat.

The federal rule change wouldn’t have much effect in Minnesota, where state laws already protect most wetlands and streams.

“We do have state-level protections that are in place, and they will protect Minnesota in large part from the impacts if the federal rule that is being proposed moves forward,” said Margaret Levin, state director for the Sierra Club’s Northstar chapter.

The EPA’s proposal relates to the Clean Water Act, the landmark 1972 law that made it illegal

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