Perth Amboy, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) held a press conference today with local elected officials and advocates to discuss recent progress on improving New Jersey’s water infrastructure and access to safe drinking water. As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Pallone spearheaded passage of key provisions in the bipartisan infrastructure law for drinking water infrastructure, including $15 billion for the replacement of lead water lines and $10 billion to address per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. Last month, Pallone and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that New Jersey would receive $168,949,000 from the law to clean up drinking water contamination and improve the state’s water infrastructure.
Pallone also ensured that the Build Back Better Act, which the House passed last month, included $10 billion in additional funding to remove lead contamination in drinking water and $225 million to provide assistance for low-income families.
“Help is on the way for the millions of American families who cannot trust the water coming out of their taps. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is already delivering significant funding to remove toxic lead service lines and address PFAS contamination,” said Pallone. “New Jersey has some of the highest levels of PFAS contamination in the country. The state is working to address this public health threat by adopting protective state drinking water standards and pursuing natural resource damage cases. I’m working at the federal level as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee to address these toxic chemicals and ensure that everyone has access to safe drinking water. It’s now critical that we pass the Build Back Better Act to build on this program and provide the funding communities need to remove dangerous lead pipes.”
“The health and well-being of our residents and children depends on the ability to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure,” said New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “Together with the resources committed toward capital investment projects in New Jersey’s state budget this year, these federal dollars are going to go great lengths in ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water across our communities. Thanks to the hard work of our Congressional delegation, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is bringing $12 billion in value for critical development in our state.”
“NY/NJ Baykeeper thanks Congressman Pallone, the bipartisan representatives who support these federal investments, and the advocates and community groups working so hard on these issues. Funding will help ensure all communities, especially those that are underserved with aging infrastructure, have safe drinking water and clean water to recreate in,” said Meredith Comi, Restoration Program Director, NY/NJ Baykeeper.
“We welcome Congress’ action to Build Back Better and fund infrastructure improvements as well as the Biden Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan to put lead paint and lead pipes behind us. In doing so, they are acknowledging the longstanding disproportionately harmful burdens of lead exposure and contaminated drinking water in low-income communities and communities of colors,” said Amy Goldsmith, NJ State Director, Clean Water Action. “We look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that these ambitious investments and programs reach the communities it is intended to improve and protect from lead exposure. We will also work to make sure any revisions and implementation of Safe Drinking Water Act Lead and Copper Rule provisions result in the full replacement of all lead service lines in drinking water distribution systems and in modernizing other regulatory requirements to reduce lead at the tap regardless of the color of your skin or zip code you live in.”
“The New Jersey Congressional delegation, under Rep. Pallone’s outstanding leadership on this important issue, continues to push for safe clean water,” said Yvette Jordan of Lead-Free NJ. “Lead-Free NJ supports these efforts and recognizes that our work is not done. By actively supporting the Build Back Better Act, we can help to insure its passage through the Senate. We press on.”
“Heartfelt thanks to Congressman Pallone and all of the members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation who voted for the infrastructure bill. This will be a real game changer for New Jersey communities to help provide safe drinking water and clean waterways at an affordable rate,” said Andy Kricun, Co-Chair of Jersey Water Works and Member of NJ Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
“Lead drinking water pipes are a serious threat to the growth and development of thousands of New Jersey children, particularly those living in urban areas like Perth Amboy and among communities of color,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill recently signed by President Biden invests $15 billion to replace lead pipes – an important first step. At the same time, the Build Back Better Act, which recently passed the House thanks to Rep. Pallone’s stalwart leadership, would spend an additional $10 billion on the problem. It is essential that the Senate follow the House’s lead and send this transformative investment to the president for his signature. We look forward to working with Rep. Pallone to support his continued advocacy on this issue even as we turn to working with our leaders at the state level to implement a plan to effectively allocate these resources to the areas most in need.”
“We thank Congressman Pallone for his consistent leadership when it comes to protecting our environment, especially our water. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide funds to help clean up our drinking water from lead and PFAS. New Jersey has had a prevalent PFAS and lead problem. Lead has been a long-term problem for the state, and now we're starting to understand the magnitude and the history of PFAS contamination in New Jersey,” said Anjuli Ramos, Director of Sierra Club - NJ Chapter. “It is encouraging to receive federal funds in order to deal with this harmful contamination that directly affects the public. Game changer.”
Pallone has been a longtime advocate for improving water infrastructure and removing PFAS contamination. Pallone spearheaded House passage of the PFAS Action Act last summer which - among other things - would establish a drinking water standard for PFAS, a grant program to support community water systems, and cleanup of contaminated sites.
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