New standard estimated to preserve health of 900,000 infants.
This week while in Wisconsin, President Joe Biden announced the finalization of a rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requiring water utility companies to remove all lead pipes remaining in the United States within 10 years.
“We’ve known for decades that lead exposure has serious long-term impacts for children’s health. And yet, millions of lead service lines are still delivering drinking water to homes,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “With the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements and historic investments in lead pipe replacement, the Biden-Harris Administration is fulfilling its commitment that no community, regardless of race, geography, or wealth, should have to worry about lead-contaminated water in their homes.”
Though the majority of lead pipes in the United States have already been replaced, there are still many large communities, particularly in the Midwest, that have not had the resources to update large swaths of water infrastructure. The most notable example is in Flint, Michigan, which experienced a high-profile water crisis a decade ago that has yet to be fully resolved.
The EPA estimates that the removal of America’s remaining lead pipes will prevent up to 900,000 infants from having low birth weight and curb nearly 1,500 deaths from heart disease annually.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For President Biden as he promotes his administration goals in the closing months of his term.
- For Administrator Regan to be led by the Lord as he heads the EPA.
Sources: Reuters, Environmental Protection Agency
