President Biden made a significant announcement on Tuesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, revealing plans to allocate $2.6 billion to replace all lead pipes across the United States. This initiative is a part of a new rule implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which mandates the identification and replacement of lead pipes within a 10-year timeframe. The funding for this project will be sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
According to EPA estimates, there are approximately nine million homes in the U.S. that still have lead pipes. In Milwaukee alone, where President Biden delivered the announcement, there are 65,000 lead pipes that are projected to cost around $700 million to replace.
During his address, President Biden emphasized the critical nature of addressing the dangers posed by lead pipes in our drinking water. He acknowledged that this issue should have been tackled much earlier and expressed his commitment to ensuring that it receives the necessary attention and resources. He stressed the importance of prioritizing this issue and ensuring its resolution.
The president highlighted the element of fairness in this initiative, noting that nearly half of the funding will be directed towards disadvantaged communities that have historically been disproportionately impacted by lead pipe poisoning. He emphasized the need to rectify past injustices and ensure that all communities have access to clean and safe drinking water.
Studies have shown that communities of color have been particularly affected by lead poisoning, with Black children being at least two times more likely to have elevated levels of lead in their blood compared to children from other racial groups. President Biden underscored the obligation to correct these disparities and provide equitable solutions.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized that the scientific consensus has long established that there is no safe level of lead in drinking water. The new rule will enhance lead testing requirements and mandate a comprehensive inventory of lead water pipes. The $2.6 billion funding represents the latest allocation by the Biden administration for addressing lead pipes, part of the broader $50 billion allocated for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure under the 2021 infrastructure law.
While legal challenges may arise, a senior administration official expressed confidence in the EPA’s authority to implement the rule, asserting that it is legally sound. President Biden’s visit to Milwaukee comes amidst a series of visits to Wisconsin by prominent political figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The focus on Wisconsin reflects the strategic importance of the state in the political landscape, particularly given its significance in the 2020 election.
Wisconsin is one of six states where lead levels in children’s blood exceed the national rate, as highlighted in a 2021 study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Even low levels of lead exposure can have adverse effects on children’s cognitive development, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. Dr. Adam Blumenberg, an emergency medicine physician and toxicology expert, emphasized the importance of identifying and eliminating sources of lead exposure to protect children’s health.
Deanna Branch, a mother and lead-poisoning awareness activist from Milwaukee, shared her personal experience with lead poisoning, illustrating the profound impact it can have on families. Her son, Aidan, suffered from lead poisoning due to exposure to lead in various forms, necessitating their relocation to a safer environment. Branch emphasized the importance of timely action in addressing lead exposure and the lasting consequences it can have on individuals.
Branch highlighted the progress being made in Milwaukee towards removing lead pipes, noting a shift from a 50-year plan to a nine-year plan for complete removal. She expressed hope for a future where lead pipes are no longer a threat to communities, emphasizing the importance of access to safe housing and healthcare facilities.
However, Branch also pointed out the challenges that remain, including the need for more safe housing options and healthcare services in the community. She emphasized the importance of removing the stigma associated with seeking help for lead poisoning and ensuring that all individuals have access to clean drinking water as a fundamental human right.
President Biden’s announcement in Milwaukee signals a significant step towards addressing the longstanding issue of lead pipes in the United States. The allocation of funding and implementation of new regulations reflect a commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring equitable access to clean water for all communities. The initiative underscores the administration’s focus on environmental justice and addressing historical disparities in access to essential resources.
