Members of the House of Representatives met last week on June 11 to discuss a new rule that would clarify which waters are covered under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), originally passed in 1972 to keep U.S. surface waters free from pollutants.

The “Waters of the United States” rule would bring thousands of small seasonal streams, dry ditches, ponds and other isolated bodies of water (including snow melt) and lands near them, under federal jurisdiction and all the regulation, permitting and mitigation that entails.

It was originally proposed in March 2014, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Most outdoor sportsmen are in agreement with the proposed rule as it would mean preserving the wetlands, ponds and fishable waterways, as well as the neighboring wildlife.

“This rule represents the best chance in a generation to restore protections to waters upon which hunters and anglers rely while preserving all exemptions for agricultural activities – and, in some cases, enhancing them,” said the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), in a statement it presented to Congress.

The organization noted that the rule will bolster access opportunities for hunters and anglers, and power the sportsmen-driven economy that is worth $200 billion per year and supports 1.5 million jobs.

“This rulemaking, which sportsmen have been requesting for years, has the potential to restore Clean Water Act protections to many of the waters on which we rely for quality days in the field. Once finalized, the proposed rule will help us sustain these traditions and the associated economic benefits for generations to come,” said Jimmy Hague, director of the Center for Water Resources at the TRCP.

The introduction of the rule was prompted by ambiguity around jurisdiction and definition, due to a series of previous Supreme Court decisions. In the years immediately following those rulings (2004-2009), wetlands loss in the U.S. Increased by 140%.

Citing an influx of requests from the public, EPA has extended the comment period for the pending change to the Clean Water Act to Oct. 20. It was originally set to end July 21, but many legislators have called the act over-reaching and farm groups say they need more time for farmers to comments, as they’ve been busy in their fields this spring planting, according to AG Week.