Photo by Prostock-Studio
The bipartisan infrastructure deal being debated in Congress right now leaves a lot to be desired. It falls short of fully funding a more just, equitable, and climate-resilient world in so many ways.
One of the worst parts of this bipartisan infrastructure bill? It would leave three quarters of this country’s lead pipes in place. That's unconscionable.
This means that millions of children and families who drink water from lead pipes—in households spread across every state in the nation—will continue to have daily exposure to a toxin that harms their health. We must do better.
Everyone—no matter their background, race, or zip code—deserves to be able to drink clean water from their tap. Unfortunately, this is not the case. We know that, like many other public health crises in our nation, Black and Brown children and families are significantly more likely to suffer from lead poisoning. We must tackle the toxic lead crisis in this country and use the budget reconciliation process to go bigger and bolder—fully funding the replacement of 100 percent of lead pipes.
Thankfully, we're seeing momentum toward this goal. Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) called for funding 100 percent of lead pipe replacement in a Congressional letter that was signed by over 100 other members of Congress.
If thousands of people across the country join us in demanding all lead pipes be replaced, we can ensure safe and clean drinking water for every family.
Tell your member of Congress why replacing lead pipes and ensuring clean drinking water for all matters to you.
Ready to Do More?
It's clear this bipartisan infrastructure bill is not enough on many levels. That's why we're advocating that Congress go much bigger and bolder in the upcoming budget reconciliation bill to meaningfully address the climate, justice, and job crises we face. Such a budget reconciliation bill can be passed by Senate Democrats and Vice President Harris alone—allowing Congress to be far more ambitious than if they needed Republican votes.
If you’re ready to demand that Congress invests in our communities at the scale and scope needed, join our Summer of Collective Action. Together, Sierra Club staff and volunteers (like you!) are organizing events across the country during August recess to push Congress to invest in a future where we all can thrive.