EPIC Applauds Landmark Biden-Harris Lead and Copper Rule Improvements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Jessica Lamb, jlamb@policyinnovation.org, 336-681-8295
Washington, D.C. - October 8, 2024 - The Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) is thrilled by the White House and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement today that they are moving forward with the final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) - and the time will be up for the majority of lead pipes within a ten-year timeline. We commend the Biden-Harris Administration and EPA for this incredible achievement - making the goal of safe drinking water, free of lead contamination, a closer reality for all.
“Ten years was long enough to build the Statue of Liberty in New York City and the Colosseum in Rome. With the right momentum and funding, ten years is also enough to replace millions of toxic lead pipes in this country, thanks to the unwavering leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris,” said Maureen Cunningham, Chief Strategy Officer & Director of Water at EPIC. “The new federal regulations around lead in drinking water - perhaps the swan song of the Biden-Harris Administration’s mighty record of water achievements - signals the beginning of the end for lead pipes. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, combined with billions in federal funds, are what we need to ensure lead pipes are replaced at a pace that matches the urgency of this public health threat - and what we need to realize a future where our water is safer to drink.”
In February 2024, EPIC submitted public comments on the LCRI - detailing our support and recommendations for improvement. We are committed to this national effort to get the lead out and the ten-year timeline set forth by the federal regulations - and believe this is an enormous step forward. At the same time, we acknowledge the realities that many municipalities face - that this will be a challenging process requiring significant support and collaboration to achieve. This journey will not be easy, but it is necessary for public health. EPIC stands ready to partner with local governments, communities, and policymakers to ensure the resources, expertise, and assistance needed are made available, so we can meet this critical goal and protect public health for all.
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About Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC)
The Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build policies that deliver spectacular improvements in the speed and scale of environmental progress. We deliver data-driven policy analysis, innovation, and technical assistance to eliminate disparities across water systems and ensure more residents across the country have access to safe and accessible drinking water. If you are a community in need of technical assistance, please contact us through our Funding Navigator page at: https://www.policyinnovation.org/funding-navigator
With regard to lead service line replacement (LSLR), our aim has been and continues to be to ensure the country is on track to replace lead service lines quickly, equitably, and efficiently - and within the next ten years. We are an EPA-selected Environmental Finance Center (EFC), connecting underserved communities throughout the country to public funds and technical assistance, including for LSLR. We are a member of the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative and a member of the White House Partnership to Get the Lead Out.
