Outrage after US Congress votes to slash $125m in funding to replace toxic lead pipes
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The US Congress has sparked outrage by slashing $125 million in funding earmarked for replacing toxic lead drinking water pipes, a move impacting states like Michigan, Illinois, Texas, and New York. The funding, initially approved with bipartisan support in 2021, was redirected by Republican leadership to wildfire prevention efforts. Advocates argue the cut jeopardizes public health, especially for children, as lead exposure can cause developmental issues and lower IQ scores. The EPA estimates that replacing lead lines would prevent numerous health problems and premature deaths. This cut comes amid ongoing debate over funding priorities and resistance from some water utilities to infrastructure upgrades, despite the EPA's mandate for complete lead line replacement within 10 years.
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AI-ExtractedThe EPA in 2024 estimated that as many as 9m lead lines must be replaced.
The EPA has said no level of exposure to lead is safe.
Lead pipe replacement funding was approved with bipartisan support in 2021.
US Congress voted to slash $125m for replacing toxic lead drinking water pipes.
Removing the lines would prevent up to 900,000 infants from having low birth weight.
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