EDF Applauds Historic U.S. EPA Rule to Eliminate Lead Pipes
Statement of Sarah Vogel, Senior Vice President for Healthy Communities
Statement of Sarah Vogel, Senior Vice President for Healthy Communities
Today marks a historic milestone to protect children and families from lead in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized strong improvements to its Lead and Copper Rule, laying the foundation for eliminating all lead pipes across the nation. The vast majority of lead pipes will be replaced by 2037.
“With today’s action, the Biden administration committed the U.S. to eliminating the legacy of lead pipes, taking a crucial step in protecting children and adults—especially those in overburdened communities—from the harmful impacts of lead” said Sarah Vogel, Senior Vice President for Healthy Communities at Environmental Defense Fund.
“Combined with the commitment of $15 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these strengthened protections will ensure that communities around the country can get lead pipes out of the ground over the next decade.”
EDF supports this strong rule, which will result in public health and socioeconomic benefits, including:
- Replacing 100% of lead pipes for the vast majority of water systems by 2037.
- Strictly limiting partial replacements, which can result in increased lead levels in water.
- Prioritizing replacements for those that are disproportionately impacted by lead.
- Lowering the lead action level, triggering more aggressive action when water sampling finds high levels of lead.
- Requiring water systems to communicate more frequently and proactively with consumers about lead pipes and the system’s plans for replacing the lines.
Everyone deserves access to safe drinking water. By finalizing this rule today, EPA has taken a huge stride towards protecting public health by eliminating harmful lead pipes.
With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
Latest press releases
-
Trump Administration Issues Another Mandate to Extend Expensive, Polluting Michigan Coal Plant Past Retirement
August 21, 2025 -
Memo: New Polling Shows Zeldin Approval Collapse
August 21, 2025 -
EDF Experts Join Hundreds of Americans at Virtual Forum, “Vigorously” Oppose Trump EPA Attacks on Endangerment Finding, Clean Car and Truck Standards
August 20, 2025 -
California Agencies Submit Report to Governor, Outline Actions to Accelerate Clean, Affordable Vehicles
August 19, 2025 -
Extension of California’s Cap-and-Trade Program Takes Encouraging Step Forward
August 19, 2025 -
Groups Ask Court to Block Trump EPA Rule That Delays Protections Against Oil and Gas Methane Pollution
August 18, 2025