Biden Plans $2.6 Billion Investment in Wisconsin for Lead Pipe Replacement
President Joe Biden is set to visit Wisconsin on October 8 to disclose a $2.6 billion investment plan for the replacement of lead pipes, as per senior administration officials.
Funding Allocated Under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The funds for this project have been allocated under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This law has earmarked $15 billion over a span of five years for the replacement of lead pipes. An additional $11.7 billion from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund under the bill can also be utilized for this purpose.
New EPA Rule to Replace Lead Service Lines
During his visit to Milwaukee, President Biden will also announce a finalized rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that mandates the replacement of lead service lines nationwide within a decade. The new standard for the action level of pipe contamination will be 10 parts per billion, a reduction from the current standard of 15 parts per billion.
Senator Tammy Baldwin Will Not Accompany President Biden
Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin who is currently campaigning for reelection, will not be present with the president during the announcement. According to Eli Rosen, the senator’s communications director, Senator Baldwin had a previously scheduled event at a family farm in Eau Claire.
Funding for Disadvantaged Communities
Under the new EPA rule, at least 49 percent of the funding must be allocated to disadvantaged communities as non-repayable funds. This rule updates the Lead and Copper Rule, which was first enacted in 1991.
$35 Million Grant Program to Address Lead in Drinking Water
The EPA has also announced a $35 million grant program to tackle the issue of lead in drinking water. The administration has already allocated around $30 million from the signature legislation for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to replace all 3,400 of its lead pipes within a decade.
Effects of Drinking Water from Lead Pipes
Michael Regan, the EPA Administrator, warned about the harmful effects of consuming water from lead pipes, stating that there is no safe level of consumption. Lead can cause severe harm to mental and physical development in children, slow down learning, and cause irreversible brain damage. In adults, lead can lead to increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer.
Lead Pipe Replacement in Wilmington, North Carolina
Earlier in May, the administration announced a $3 billion plan to replace toxic lead pipes in Wilmington, North Carolina. As per the EPA, approximately 9 million homes, many of which are in underprivileged neighborhoods, receive water from lead pipes.
Replacement of Lead Pipes in Cities
According to a senior administration official, 99 percent of cities with lead pipes will have them replaced within 10 years. The EPA has stated that the new rule meets legal requirements and will be beneficial.
Bottom Line
The issue of lead-contaminated tap water has been a significant public health concern for years. With this new rule and the allocated funds, the administration is taking a step towards resolving this issue and ensuring safe and affordable drinking water for all, regardless of their race, income, or zip code. What are your thoughts on this initiative? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
