Washington DC — Leading national and local environmental, public health, and environmental justice organizations join together to thank President Biden and Congressional leadership for the nearly $10 billion in the Build Back Better Framework to fund replacement of lead service lines in low-income, rural, and environmental justice communities that often lack access to financing for this critical drinking water system improvement. Funds will also support eliminating lead in school drinking water across the country. This bold investment is crucial to making good on the promise to ensure that every family has access to safe drinking water.
Below is a statement from our organizations: NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), Friends of the Earth, Clean Water Action, Environment America, League of Conservation Voters, Current Water, Environmental Defense Fund, LVEJO (Little Village Environmental Justice Organization), Flint Rising, Illinois Environmental Council, New York League of Conservation Voters, Bright Beat, MPC (Metropolitan Planning Council), Highland Park Human Rights Coalition, People’s Water Board Coalition, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization, Michigan League of Conservation Voters
“With this historic investment, the President and Congress are taking important strides to ensure everyone has access to safe, clean, lead-free drinking water. Too many communities, especially low-income communities, rural communities, and communities of color, have to worry if the water coming from their taps is poisoning their families. This initial critical investment in replacing all lead service lines and addressing lead in school drinking water will not only protect our public health but will create thousands of good-paying union jobs and help create a more just and equitable future. We greatly appreciate the unwavering commitment of Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Pallone, Subcommittee Chair Tonko, Chairman Carper, Subcommittee Chair Duckworth, and other House and Senate leaders in the fight for these funds, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to protect every community from dangerous lead service lines. ”
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