The Biden Administration is moving forward on its plan to rid U.S. drinking water infrastructure of health-threatening lead pipes.
Six years after contamination in Flint, Michigan’s water made national headlines, Vice President Kamala Harris announced plans to rewrite drinking water standards for stronger protection against lead. The new, tougher standards could force water utilities around the country to dig up and replace ten million pipes.
“Over the past year, I have visited with and heard from communities in Chicago, Flint, Jackson and many other areas that are impacted by lead in drinking water,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. “These conversations have underscored the need to proactively remove lead service lines, especially in low-income communities.”
Addressing this widespread contamination was among then-candidate Biden’s important environmental justice commitments during the 2020 presidential campaign. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act included $15 billion to assist in the costs of replacing lead-contaminated pipes. The administration is emphasizing not only the health benefits but the jobs this massive project will create. Even more jobs will be created when the Senate finally passes the Build Back Better Act. Tell them to get moving!
