Eric Jjemba, Health Legislative Intern, Joanna Slaney, Legislative Director, and Tom Neltner, Chemicals Policy Director
Last week, over 100 House members led by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Daniel Kildee (D-MI), Gwen Moore (D-MI), and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking that she prioritize funding for full lead service line (LSL) replacement in “any major infrastructure legislation moving through the chamber.” Additionally, a group of 8 medical and health associations led by the American Academy of Pediatrics sent a letter of their own urging Congressional leadership “to fully fund this proposed public health measure with $45 billion.” These letters highlight the broad support around treating America’s lead in water crisis as one that necessitates federal action. EDF, and many others, have advocated for $45 billion in funding to fully replace the more than 9 million remaining LSLs in the country.
For too many families in this country, turning on the faucet for water essentially means drinking through a lead straw. This hundred year old legacy problem of LSLs impacts communities across the nation, but it disproportionately harms already overburdened communities– those that experience racial, economic, and environmental disparities together. To make sure that necessary assistance reaches those that need it most, including low-income communities, communities of color, and rural communities, the federal government needs to adequately fund full LSL replacement across the country.
EDF applauds the members of Congress and key public health organizations that are continuing to push for this investment, of which we have frequently outlined the clear and tangible benefits. Among these are:
- Protecting health, especially for children, who are likely to have their brain development impaired by lead, contributing to learning and behavioral problems and lower IQs. While children of color and those from low-income families remain at the greatest risk of lead exposure, adults are also at risk of heart disease – even at low exposure levels.
- Reducing disparities by advancing equity for low-income communities and communities of color (including small and rural ones) that may lack the capacity to pursue federal funds, have not developed an inventory of their LSLs, and would not otherwise have the resources to do the work.
- Creating good paying jobs in construction and plumbing through shovel-ready work. Most communities have a good sense of where many of the LSLs are in their water systems, meaning this work can get off the ground quickly.
There is no safe level of lead exposure. LSL replacement is known to be the only permanent, durable solution with a track record of cost effectiveness to address the risk of lead exposure through drinking water. In recent years we’ve seen communities across the country, including those in Colorado, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin work to efficiently replace LSLs. The City of Newark, for example, initiated an aggressive Lead Service Replacement Program that has replaced lines for over 20,000 homes in less than 3 years. But even where states and localities are taking action, the cost of replacement continues to be a challenge.
While the benefits of LSL replacement accrue to a community over time, the costs of this work are immediate. Covering the upfront cost to address the risk of outdated water infrastructure is not a burden that all communities can afford to bear alone. In many cases, the lack of federal assistance can result in drawn out replacement timelines and increased burdens on ratepayers. The most rapid, equitable, and lasting solution for all families across the country – and thus an approach worthy of federal investment – is full funding for LSL replacement.
The national poll released earlier this year by Black Millennials for Flint, BlueGreen Alliance, and EDF found that 79% of voters believe it should be a priority for lawmakers to fund lead pipe replacement, including 71% of Republicans, 85% of Democrats, and 79% of Independents. Further polling by Climate Power and Data for Progress have reaffirmed this support.
These results, and the recent letters to Congressional leadership, demonstrate the widespread commitment to tackling this issue. With the necessary investment by the federal government, towns across America can finally be empowered to get the lead out of our drinking water once and for all.