The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet issued an update following public listening sessions earlier this month on a draft strategy to reduce lead exposures and disparities in local communities.
The EPA conducted a series of listening sessions for the draft strategy in the agency's Mid-Atlantic region on March 9 and subsequently extended the public comment period to March 16. The strategy pays particular attention to "underserved and overburdened" areas that historically have suffered more from lead exposure compared to more affluent communities, Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA's Land and Emergency Management Office Carlton Waterhouse said in a news release.
"Underserved and overburdened communities are often disproportionately exposed to lead, which can cause life-long negative effects," Waterhouse said in EPA's news release that announced the listening sessions. "Today, we are inviting all communities exposed to lead and other stakeholders to share their perspectives so that EPA can ensure that our Draft Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities is as comprehensive as possible."
Waterhouse, an international expert on environmental law and environmental justice, was appointed to his position in the Land and Emergency Management Office in February of last year.
EPA's Office of Land and Emergency Management is responsible for providing policy, guidance and direction for the agency's waste and emergency response programs, its website states.
The virtual listening sessions were conducted throughout EPA's mid-Atlantic region, which includes Delaware, Maryland, the Washington area, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and seven federally recognized tribes earlier this month.
EPA public listening sessions are intended to serve as a conduit through which communities and other stakeholders may provide comments about the agency's plans and other efforts.
This month's listening sessions were to obtain input about lead reduction and disparities in local communities, according to a release.
The EPA has long recognized that an environment with heavy lead pollution presents health risks to people, with even very low levels turning up in children’s blood. Even low levels in children have been linked to adverse effects, including on children's intellect, concentration and academic achievement.
"The draft Lead Strategy lays out approaches to strengthen public health protections, address legacy lead contamination for communities with the greatest exposures and promote environmental justice," the news release said.
