Statement: House approves $22.5 billion to replace lead pipes

PennEnvironment hails historic move to get the lead out

PennEnvironment

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives has approved $22.5 billion over five years to replace lead service lines, which are the single worst source of lead contamination in drinking water. The funding measure, one of the few amendments to the House infrastructure package (H.R. 2) that received a standalone vote, passed 240-181 with bipartisan support.

PennEnvironment would specifically like to thank the members of Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation that supported this measure: Representatives Fitzpatrick, Cartwright, Boyle, Evans, Dean, Scanlon, Houlahan, Wild, Doyle and Lamb.

Stephanie Wein, Clean Water & Conservation Advocate for PennEnvironment made the following statement:

“Congress has taken the single greatest step we’ve seen this century to reverse the pervasive lead contamination that continues to plague our drinking water.

“We’ve long known that lead is a potent neurotoxin that is especially damaging to our childrens’ health. Yet it’s still getting into the drinking water in thousands of communities across America, including at our schools and child care centers. Pennsylvania in particular has seen elevated blood lead levels in our children, and so we’re glad to see this step being taken.

“Lead service lines are the chief culprit in this contamination. There are still 9.3 million of these toxic pipes connecting our homes to water mains, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent estimate. With advocacy groups calling for the replacement of all lead service lines within 10 years, the $22.5 billion in Amendment No. 95 would fund the first half of that effort over five years. 

Reps. Elissa Slotkin (MI), Dan Kildee (MI), Rashida Tlaib (MI), David Cicilline (RI) and Gwen Moore (WI) co-sponsored the amendment.

“We urge the Senate to adopt this ambitious measure so we can ensure safe drinking water for all Americans.”