Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today after the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that will allow New Jersey to utilize Clean Water State Revolving Funds to remove and replace the lead pipes contaminating Newark’s drinking water:
“Every American has a right to clean drinking water, but my home state of New Jersey has been the latest to discover that our outdated and deteriorating infrastructure is simply not up to the task. It is unacceptable - and a testament to the need for federal action - that Newark’s residents have been living with elevated levels of lead in their water. Federal funds exist to help communities like those in New Jersey, but for some states, that funding is constrained from being used to address lead contamination.
“Today the House acted unanimously to change that, giving New Jersey the flexibility and resources it needs to replace lead pipes and give the people of Newark the clean water they deserve. I am proud to have expedited passage of this important legislation through the House and grateful for my colleagues’ urgent attention to this public health crisis."
Last year, Chairman Pallone negotiated inclusion of several critical provisions for addressing lead contamination in the America’s Water Infrastructure Act, including establishment of a grant program to fund the monitoring and replacement of leaded drinking water fountains in schools. The legislation also provided a substantial increase in funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, nearly doubling it from $1 billion to $1.95 billion.
