WASHINGTON (Oct. 8, 2024) –The Biden-Harris administration today finalized new standards that will finally tackle the crisis of lead in drinking water — delivering a public health win that health advocates have been seeking for decades.
More than nine million people get their water through a lead pipe. There is no safe level of lead, which poisons the brains and bodies of our children and also threatens millions of adults with heart disease. NRDC Action Fund’s affiliate NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) and its allies had sued the Trump administration over its inadequate standards.
The following is a statement from Manish Bapna, president of the NRDC Action Fund:
“For decades scientists and advocates from Flint to Newark have detailed the devastating costs of lead poisoning to our children – and urged the EPA to act. Today, the Biden-Harris administration is delivering by setting standards that will finally bring about the removal of the lead pipes carrying tap water across our nation.
“This is a dramatic step forward, one that demonstrates what it really means to be a leader who cares about safe water and public health.
“Four years ago, the Trump administration tried to dress up weak rules with bright lipstick, but public health advocates went to court to fight those inadequate standards. To its credit, the Biden-Harris administration rejected Trump’s rules and replaced them with these, which will go a long way toward ensuring that everyone gets safe and clean tap water.”
“Voters have a stark choice in this upcoming election. As this action proves yet again, any voter who cares about the environment and protecting public health should be voting for Kamala Harris.”
