The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a significant funding of $123.1 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to aid New Jersey in identifying and replacing lead service lines, with the aim of preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. This initiative is part of President Biden’s commitment to replace every lead pipe in the nation, ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water and protecting public health.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of removing lead pipes promptly, stating, “The science is clear, there is no safe level of lead exposure, and the primary source of harmful exposure in drinking water is through lead pipes.” The funding, made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, marks a significant step towards achieving this goal and promoting environmental justice.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed gratitude for the federal resources pouring into the state, stating, “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the support of the U.S. EPA and our congressional delegation, the substantial federal resources pouring into New Jersey will put us a great deal closer to this goal.” U.S. Senator Cory Booker echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of investments like these for the health and prosperity of future generations.
The funding is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, ensuring clean drinking water for countless families. New Jersey has committed to replacing every lead service line in the state by 2031, with support from the federal government. U.S. Representative Donald Norcross commended the federal funding as a transformative investment in New Jersey, emphasizing the importance of delivering essential infrastructure improvements to communities.
Several other representatives from New Jersey, including U.S. Representative Andy Kim, U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, U.S. Representative Menendez, U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill, and U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, also expressed their support for the funding and its impact on ensuring clean drinking water for residents.
The funding announcement comes as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's initiative to remove lead pipes across the country. In New Jersey, projects like the workforce program in New Brunswick and lead line replacement efforts in Jersey City are already underway, aiming to secure a healthier water future for residents.
The funding allocated to New Jersey is part of a broader national effort to address lead service lines. The EPA is working to provide additional guidance on how states can effectively reduce lead exposure in drinking water, while also developing outreach materials to educate the public on lead exposure and water quality issues.
The federal funding provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law underscores the commitment to ensuring safe and clean drinking water for all Americans, with a focus on disadvantaged communities that have been historically underinvested in. This latest funding allocation will further advance the important work of replacing lead pipes and safeguarding public health.
