The White House announced rules requiring lead pipes to be replaced within 10 years

The Biden administration announced Tuesday that it has finalized a new law that would require electric utilities nationwide to replace lead drinking water pipes within the next 10 years.

President Joe Biden will discuss the legislation during a speech in Milwaukee on Tuesday.

He will also announce that the EPA will provide an additional $2.6 billion, funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Act of 2021, to improve drinking water and replace lead pipes.

In December 2021, Biden revealed his plan to replace all of the nation’s major utility lines. The EPA estimates that lead pipes carry water to 9 million homes, many of them in low-income communities and communities of color.

Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials are corroded. If consumed, this toxic metal can cause a number of health problems, including high blood pressure and reduced kidney function in adults. It can cause premature birth and birth defects in unborn babies. And even low levels in children can severely damage their physical and mental development.

From day one, the President and Vice President have been clear that all Americans, regardless of where they are from, should have access to their most basic needs, including being able to turn on the faucet and drink safe drinking water without fear. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian told reporters on Monday. “We know there is no safe level of lead exposure.”

Overall, the Infrastructure Act secured more than $50 billion for clean water, including $15 billion for lead pipe replacement. Water companies in some cities are already using this advantage. In May, Biden announced a $3 billion installment for states to replace their pipes.

For example, Milwaukee received about $30 million this year alone to replace 3,400 lead service lines and cut its timeline for getting rid of lead pipes from 60 years to 10 years, the White House said.

Detroit, Denver and Erie, Pennsylvania, are among the cities that have received funding to replace their main service lines.

The Biden administration said the sweeping measure would also create jobs and reduce public health costs.

The White House announced that for every $1 billion invested in water infrastructure, 15,500 jobs would be created.

The EPA estimates that each year the new rule will protect 900,000 babies from being underweight, prevent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 2,600 children, reduce up to 1,500 premature deaths from heart disease, and up to Loses 200,000 IQ points. children

“Delivering a lead-free America is President Biden’s legacy,” said EPA Administrator Michael Reagan.

“This is a public health issue, an environmental justice issue, a basic human rights issue, and it’s finally being answered with the urgency it needs,” Reagan said.

A senior administration official said the final rule is stricter than an earlier draft that would allow more cities to receive exemptions. The government is “very confident” 99 percent of cities will meet the 10-year deadline, the official said, while another official said the government is working with the remaining municipalities to find funding and address issues they may face. Shunde will cooperate.

Additionally, the EPA is lowering the lead level — from 0.015 mg/L to 0.010 — under which utilities are required to notify residents and take steps to reduce levels. Repeat offenders may be required to make water filters available to all residents of a community.

The law may face challenges from Congress or the courts. A senior government official argued that “it is based on solid law and is supported by science.” Another official said, “We hope that ending our children’s lead poisoning should and can be a bipartisan priority.”