NPR: Trump, Supreme Court And Waters Of The USA Rule

NPR's Greg Allen looks at the dynamics surrounding the Supreme Court's decision to hear a case involving the EPA's Waters of the United States rule. The rule has enormous ramifications for golf as more golf course water features could come under federal regulation.

Allen points out that the rule could directly impact President Donald Trump's golf courses, and therefore, impact his selection of a Supreme Court justice.

The rule is opposed by a long list of industries, including manufacturers, farmers and golf course owners like Trump.

They have been filing lawsuits that have put the rule on hold. Bob Helland, with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, says the average golf course has over 11 acres of streams, ponds and wetlands that could be affected. Under the rule, courses may now need federal permission before applying fertilizer or pesticides.

"Many of our routine activities would be deemed as a discharge into waters of the United States and could not move forward without getting a required permit," Helland said.

Allen notes that the rule could be eliminated sooner should Congress kill the rule and President Trump not veto it. Republican Sens. Joni Ernst and Deb Fischer have introduced a resolution to commence such a process.

ABC News is reporting that President Trump will be nominating a justice to fill the vacant seat on Tuesday.