House passes proposal to remove lead pipes, ensure access to clean water

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State lawmakers are hoping to address one of the worst problems facing low-income communities – lead in water. In fact, Democrats say Illinois has more lead water pipes than any other state.

A proposal from Rep. Lamont Robinson Jr. (D-Chicago) could require that all water utilities replace their main utilities. His bill could mandate the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a program to manage the utility funding for the replacement.

According to Robinson, lawmakers had the opportunity to address the issue in 2019 with the massive Illinois rebuilding bill. However, lead pipes were overlooked.

“We haven’t done anything to address this problem, and no dollars have been spent on it. Members, let’s not let this happen again, ”Robinson said.

President Joe Biden and the two US Senators from Illinois have helped fund this effort.

However, Republicans worried about the next bill without knowing how Illinois would pay for the pipe removal. Rep Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) said he was uncomfortable relying on the federal government for funding.

“It seems like we’re trying to put £ 10 in a £ 5 bag with that money,” said Reick. “If we could cut the cost of it out of this federal money and not eat someone else’s ox, I’d be totally in favor.”

What about the local water companies?

Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) also understood the intent of the bill. However, he believes that local authorities could suffer financially from the plan. Spain suggested that the proposal should be made conditional on the availability of federal funding. He said local governments need to know what to do if the federal dollar fails to materialize. The Republican also comes from a ward with a private water company.

“We made an agreement in the state of Illinois that these existing tariff payers would finance the cost of acquiring additional water utilities. So if you are a small community that cannot meet the terms of this provision, you may be a community that is now being forced to sell your municipal water utility to a private operator. The cost of this acquisition will be borne by other interest payers. “

Robinson stressed that lead in water causes significant health problems for poor black communities across the state. He said families in these areas cannot buy clean drinking water like others do.

“Everyone should be able to drink clean water with ease, regardless of your financial resources or where you live in this state,” said Robinson, taking a sip of water from his desk.

The proposal was passed from the House with 76-31-1 votes. It is now going to the Senate for examination.

You might also like

Comments are closed.