The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed updates to the Safe Drinking Water Act Lead and Copper Rule and is accepting public comments through February 5, 2024.
This week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its “Waters of the United States” rule in response to the May 2023 Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court decision, which significantly weakened the reach of the Clean Water Act, our nation’s 50 year old water pollution control law.
Until EPA enforces the federal rule and ensures all coal ash dumps are regulated, contamination of groundwater and drinking water supplies will continue. We must make enforcement a priority and mandate safe closure and cleanup of coal ash nationwide to ensure all communities are protected.
A strong coal ash rule will provide some long overdue relief to the communities that have been most impacted by this toxic pollution and aligns with the Biden administration’s commitment to advance environmental justice.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is the largest investment in water the country has ever seen. But, it could have two major problems when it comes to implementation. IIJA’s water investments are designed to improve drinking and wastewater systems, promote clean water projects and to ensure disadvantaged communities benefit from the program.