Press Release

November 30, 2023

ELPC Applauds EPA Decision to Replace All Lead & Copper Pipes

"Everyone should have safe, lead-free water in their homes"

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Statement by ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner

“The Environmental Law & Policy Center commends the US EPA’s proposed improvements to the federal Lead and Copper Rule, and the Biden administration’s actions to speed up lead service pipe replacements.  Lead in drinking water has long been known to cause brain damage in young children and cause additional long-term disabilities. Chicago, unfortunately, has more lead service pipes than any other city in the U.S., and Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Minneapolis and Cincinnati comprise most of the remaining “top ten” cities with harmful lead service pipes.

“Everyone should have safe, lead-free water in their homes. We support the US EPA now stepping up with regulatory actions necessary to protect public health from lead in drinking water.  We also commend U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) who led the charge in Congress for bipartisan infrastructure legislation providing funding to rebuild the nation’s water systems, including removing and replacing lead service pipes.”