Lead pipe replacement could be a big environmental win in bipartisan infrastructure deal

CNN
Ella Nilsen

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CNN — While some major climate provisions have been stripped out of a bipartisan infrastructure deal between the White House and a group of moderate senators, President Joe Biden’s vow to replace all of the nation’s lead pipes lines is a no-brainer, one of the president’s top environmental officials told CNN.

If money for lead pipe replacement makes it into the package, it could be one of the administration’s few bipartisan wins on environmental issues. The White House says replacing the pipes would reduce lead exposure in 400,000 schools and childcare facilities, and improve the health of American children and communities of color.

“With this bipartisan infrastructure framework, we are still committed to 100 percent lead line replacement,” EPA administrator Michael Regan told CNN on Thursday, “and we believe there will be billions of dollars to invest in other water infrastructure projects as well."