Carolyn Morrisroe, carolyn.morrisroe@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee unveiled the completed text of its portion of the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill, and it includes $30 billion to replace lead pipes and service lines in our drinking water systems.
This investment is an enormous, long-awaited step toward addressing the crisis of toxic lead in our water infrastructure — funding that is not only crucial to the health of our communities but is also widely supported by the public. Polling by Data for Progress found that removing all lead pipes is one of the most popular components of the Build Back Better Agenda. Now, lawmakers must pass $45 billion in funding to replace all lead pipes in America — the amount of combined funding for lead pipe replacement that the reconciliation bill and bipartisan bill would deliver under the House Energy and Commerce Committee proposal.
Sierra Club Living Economy Program Director Ben Beachy Released the Following Statement:
“The Sierra Club deeply appreciates that Chairman Frank Pallone and the House Energy and Commerce Committee are working to achieve President Biden’s goal of 100 percent lead pipe replacement so that communities — primarily communities of color — no longer have to fear lead-contaminated water when they turn on the tap. This investment in environmental justice and good jobs is sorely needed, as the bipartisan infrastructure bill alone would only include enough funding to replace a small fraction of the country’s lead pipes.
“Now all eyes are on the Senate to match the bold investments that Chairman Pallone and the Energy and Commerce Committee have named to secure 100 percent lead pipe replacement. We are eager to work with champions in the Senate to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure clean drinking water for all.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.