Replacing lead pipes, once and for all.
In the richest country in the world, no one should be without safe, clean drinking water.
This week, the Biden-Harris administration issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The rule requires more rigorous testing and a lower threshold allowing communities to take action on lead in drinking water to better protect people from lead exposure. It also will improve communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans to replace them.
Experts agree that there is no safe level of lead exposure, particularly for children, and lead poisoning can cause serious health effects, including irreversible damage to cognitive development, kidney damage, slow learning, and cardiovascular disease. It also impacts pregnancies, increasing the risk of low birthweights or even miscarriage.
So why has lead exposure persisted? Lead pipes and lead services lines were once preferred because they are malleable, highly durable, and resistant to corrosion. A majority of America’s largest cities installed lead water pipes between 1900 and 1950. Today, there are about 9 million lead service lines across the U.S. But eventually, science demonstrated the dangers of these pipes. Some affluent communities began removing and replacing lead pipes, but they still remain present in far too many areas. Decades of underinvestment – particularly in disadvantaged and minority communities – have left this problem unsolved. Until now.
This new grant funding will support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects and is made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – which I proudly voted for and championed. Especially important is the requirement that 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities, which have unfortunately carried the heaviest burden of environmental injustice and traditionally lacked funding to correct harmful contamination and pollution.
Locally, just this week, the City of Indianapolis has been awarded $1.2 million in Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building grant funds. This program will build capacity to stand up a full lead hazard control program, partnering with the Marion County Public Health Department, Indiana Department of health, and the IU School of Medicine.
The health of our children is important to all of us. With strong federal leadership and investments, we’re finally putting an end to this generational problem of contaminated lead pipes. I’ll continue working on more improvements to our water infrastructure – because everyone deserves safe, clean drinking water.
Service for America: Cyber Security Jobs
I’m pleased to share more news about efforts to keep our homeland safe and protect our national security. This week, The Biden-Harris Administration launched “Service for America”, a two-month recruiting, hiring, and engagement sprint, to connect Americans from all backgrounds to good-paying, meaningful jobs in cyber. In an increasingly digital and connected world, all cyber jobs are critical to our national security. The cyber workforce helps protect our nation, and can be a meaningful, fulfilling career. October 14 -19 is Cyber Security Career Week. Check out FREE virtual events and resources here.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month:
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time dedicated for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. Here are four easy ways to stay safe online:
1. Use strong passwords, with uppercase and lowercase letters, plus numbers and symbols.
2. Turn on multifactor authentication. Learn how to set that up here.
3. Recognize and report phishing, which are unsolicited messages asking for personal information.
4. Update software regularly to ensure you have the latest security features.
Learn more here.
Team Carson is Here to Serve:
Did you know that in 2023, my office responded to over 70,000 of your messages and brought $1.5 MILLION directly back to Indianapolis families? Team Carson is here to serve you – get in touch to find out how we can help you navigate a federal agency, access government benefits, or recognize a community member’s milestone.
For updates throughout the week, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Your Friend,
André