Press Release: Lead Pipe Replacement Efforts in Jeopardy Amid Congressional Rollback
FLINT, MI — In a concerning turn of events, bipartisan support for the Biden administration’s 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvement law (LCRI), which mandates the replacement of all lead drinking pipes by 2037, faces potential dismantlement by Trump Republicans. This could jeopardize billions allocated for this vital public health initiative, originally funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated $15 billion over five years.
Larry Levine, a senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, warns that any successful rollback of the LCRI via the Congressional Review Act would nullify not just the rule but also hinder future EPA regulations on lead pipe replacements. Experts assert that reverting to the older, weaker Lead and Copper Rule Revisions from the Trump administration would leave 95% of lead service lines untouched.
Historically, the dangers of lead pipes became starkly evident during Flint’s own water crisis, which resulted from switching the city’s water source, leading to health catastrophes like Legionnaire’s disease and widespread lead contamination. The EPA estimates that 9 million lead service lines remain in use nationwide, placing vulnerable communities at risk of exposure to the neurotoxin.
Despite reassurances from EPA officials about funding availability, concerns remain regarding potential freezes or manipulations of resources under a new administration. The American Water Works Association has voiced opposition to the LCRI, arguing that it could lead to exorbitant costs.
"Inaction on this issue would not only risk public health but could also result in long-term economic consequences," said Levine, emphasizing that the costs of replacing aging infrastructure far outweigh the health risks of inaction. As communities await a resolution, the focus remains on ensuring safe drinking water for all, highlighting the resilience of Flint residents and their determination to prevent another catastrophe.
For more on Flint’s ongoing challenges and initiatives, visit the project website linked above.
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