Experts say some states and communities may be hesitant to take out federal loans to search for lead pipes.
FILE - A cut lead pipe is pulled from a dig site for testing at a home in Royal Oak, Mich., on Nov. 16, 2021. As the Biden administration makes billions of dollars available to remove millions of dangerous lead water pipes that can contaminate drinking water and damage brain development in children, some states are turning down funds.
States shouldn’t “shrug their shoulders” and pass up funds, said Erik Olson, a health and food expert at the environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council. The Environmental Protection Agency said it is reviewing state requests to decline funds but did not provide a full list of states that have said no so far. That information will be available in October, officials said. States that declined first-year funds can still accept them during the remaining four years.
The states that declined funds have fewer problematic pipes, but that doesn’t mean lead isn’t an issue. There’s concern about lead in some Maine schools. Portland, Oregon, has struggled with high lead levels for years, although recent tests have been better and officials say the issue isn’t lead pipes, but household plumbing.
To access the grants, there also needs to be demand for loans but utilities are hesitant to seek them out, according to Deirdre Finn, executive director of the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities, a group that represents the federally funded state programs that distribute infrastructure funds.
The EPA offered early funds based on a state’s general drinking water infrastructure needs — not the number of lead pipes. The EPA later developed estimates of each state’s lead pipes to inform how future years of funding should be distributed. Therefore, some states were offered more early money than they can spend.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Blues Traveler cancels concert at 2023 Alaska State FairThe Fair announced Monday the band canceled its Thursday performance due to an illness in the traveling party. Classic rockers Foghat are filling the spot vacated by the cancellation.
Read more »
In just a few months, satellite internet has reshaped web access in rural AlaskaSince Starlink internet became available, thousands of Alaskans have signed up, mounting antennas to fishing boats, cabin roofs and conex containers.
Read more »
Lawsuits target Alaska predator-control program that killed 99 bears in effort to boost caribouThe Board of Game-authorized program carried out in southwestern Alaska was illegal and will not help the flagging Mulchatna caribou herd, the lawsuits claim.
Read more »
OPINION: Let’s celebrate building a better AlaskaEvery new wind turbine built, solar panel installed, and electric car or truck that rolls off the line will power a better future. Now it’s up to us to ensure this is only the beginning.
Read more »
Unanswered questions remain in July 2017 homicide of Chynelle Lockwood in St. Michael, AlaskaThe 19-year-old was out for a walk on the evening of July 10, 2017, but never came home. Her body was found on the beach the following day.
Read more »
How Alaska’s craft fair scene escaped winter’s grasp and stepped into the sunOnce a hallmark of the holiday season, the fairs have expanded in both size and number as the state’s many artists and crafters look for outlets for their goods.
Read more »