Scope of federal jurisdiction on lands near certain bodies of water is core to landowner challenge, but timing of court action will determine if Justice Stephen Breyer, a veteran of Clean Water Act rulings, can weigh in before he retires.

Rulemaking process starts Jan. 26, with industry groups applauding rescind but seeking more input on construction-specific regulations.

As new term starts, justices' views in cases from pipeline project routes to LGBTQ bias in the workplace could be surprising, observers say. >