President Biden has earmarked an additional $3 billion to help replace lead pipes across the United States, aiming to tackle the persistent issue of lead contamination in drinking water.
Amudalat Ajasa reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The $3 billion funding is part of a broader effort under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which plans to distribute $15 billion over five years.
- Despite these efforts, experts worry the funds won't suffice to remove all the lead pipes, estimating a need of at least $45 billion.
- The White House aims to replace every lead pipe within a decade, even as challenges in funding and local implementation persist.
Key quote:
“President Biden understands it is critical to identify and remove lead pipes as quickly as possible, and he has secured significant resources for states and territories to accelerate the permanent removal of dangerous lead pipes once and for all.”
— Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
Why this matters:
Lead exposure can cause significant health issues, including cognitive impairments, particularly in children. Lead exposure in children damages the brain and nervous system, slows growth and development, and can lower IQ and cause learning, behavior, hearing, and speech problems.
