WASHINGTON, DC - The Subcommittee on Health, chaired by Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA), and the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, chaired by Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), today held a hearing examining the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
Members discussed the various short- and long-term public health implications related to the ongoing drinking water crisis in Flint. They also examined what has been done to combat the effects of lead exposure, and what steps can be taken to further assist in more testing, treatment, outreach, and education on lead exposure. Additionally, Members sought to gain a better understanding of EPA’s efforts to update the Lead and Copper Rule.
Joel Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discussed the importance of reviewing and updating the Lead and Copper Rule, stating, “EPA is working with states with primacy in implementing the SDWA to strengthen implementation of the Lead and Copper Rule, which covers approximately 68,000 public water systems nationwide… We are carefully evaluating this input and the national experience in implementing the current rule - including the events in Flint - to develop proposed improvements."
Chairman Shimkus recognized EPA’s efforts to update the Lead and Copper Rule, stating, “We need to ensure coordination, openness, and cooperation between government, water utilities, and the public to build confidence in the work being done. We should appreciate what changes the EPA is considering as part of its long-term revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule. I recognize EPA has been getting input from the National Drinking Water Advisory Council and others but we should examine what the impact some of those decisions might have on communities."
Full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) reiterated his desire to find solutions and ensure that this situation isn’t repeated elsewhere, stating, “The tragic situation in Flint has captured the attention of the nation. The events that unfolded are unacceptable, and sadly there were missteps at all levels of government. Long after the media leaves Flint and the dust settles, there will be real Michigan families grappling with this tragedy for decades, indeed lifetimes. That’s why today’s hearing was forward looking. I’ve said before and will say again: I’m not interested in finger pointing. There has been much of that done already. The focus needs to be on the folks who were impacted - especially the children, and what we can do to ensure this never happens again, anywhere. We cannot and we will not forget those in Flint who have been impacted by this tragedy. No amount of regrets or words can actually fix what’s broken - we need concrete action."
Nick Lyon, Director of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services, spoke about efforts the state of Michigan has taken to improve the general well-being of Flint residents, stating, “We have already taken steps to restructure areas within our department to better align programs with surveillance and to ensure local health issues such as the ones we are discussing today are quickly elevated for immediate follow up."
Chairman Pitts spoke to the public health needs of the people of Flint, stating, “Addressing the long-term health implications of potential exposure of children to dangerously high levels of lead is no simple fix. Some steps have already been taken to attempt to address the serious public health issues in the community. These steps should help expand services available to ensure access to needed medical, social, education and other services."
Dr. Nicole Lurie, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, discussed some of the aid and action that has taken place under her watch, stating, “The federal government is truly providing a whole-of-government response including substantial resources to Flint. We anticipate that these efforts will serve as a foundation for meeting long-term needs as the community recovers."
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