Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the allocation of over $152 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to aid Pennsylvania in identifying and replacing lead service lines, a crucial step in ensuring safe drinking water for the state's residents. This funding is part of the Biden administration's commitment to replacing every lead pipe in the nation, safeguarding public health and environmental justice.
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz highlighted the significance of the funding, stating, “Across our region, states are getting boosts from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will improve lives, strengthen communities, and protect our most vulnerable populations.”
U.S. Senator Bob Casey emphasized the importance of addressing the health concerns posed by lead pipes, stating, “The Pennsylvania constitution guarantees the right to clean drinking water, but lead pipes pose critical health concerns to families across the Commonwealth.”
Echoing the sentiment, U.S. Senator John Fetterman stressed the necessity of providing clean drinking water to all communities, saying, “It’s just commonsense that we need to provide clean drinking water to all communities in Pennsylvania and across the country.”
The allocated funds, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, have garnered praise from various Pennsylvania lawmakers, including Congressman Dwight Evans who expressed his support for the administration's efforts in delivering much-needed funding for the state.
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon welcomed the clean water infrastructure funding, emphasizing the importance of protecting children and families from lead exposure in drinking water.
Congressman Brendan Boyle highlighted the significance of the lead pipe replacement effort in ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans, stating, "Americans have a right to safe drinking water.”
Congressman Chris Deluzio also commended the $152 million investment for lead pipe removal across Pennsylvania, attributing it to President Biden's Infrastructure Law and its commitment to improving health and safety.
The funding is part of a broader initiative under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines across the country. The EPA projects that the funding will help replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for numerous families.
