Walden, Shimkus applaud EPA for committing billions in funding for safe water

U.S. Reps. Greg Walden (R-OR) and John Shimkus (R-IL) on Feb. 19 commended the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for making $2.7 billion available to State Revolving Funds, which assist states, tribes and territories with infrastructure projects that help protect surface water and provide safe drinking water to communities across the United States.

“This is an important infrastructure announcement — the money directly benefits communities in need,” the congressmen said in a statement released by Republicans on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. “It reflects a serious and targeted commitment from the EPA and Administrator [Andrew] Wheeler to protect surface waters and drinking water. We share that commitment.”

Rep. Walden, ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Shimkus, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change, said that during the previous session of Congress they worked across the aisle with Democrats to reauthorize the Safe Drinking Water Act, which included a higher authorization in America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.

“This builds on the 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act,” according to the statement. “Congress has repeatedly invested in drinking water money and the EPA is putting those resources to good use; we look forward to reviewing the results of these important efforts.”

Reps. Walden and Shimkus said they’re also pleased to see the resources the EPA released to combat lead in drinking water.

“This has long been a focus of the committee, and the WIIN Act made attacking lead contamination a specific focus,” they said. “At a hearing last week, we discussed lead in drinking water extensively and we want to underscore our appreciation to the agency and Administrator Wheeler for advancing their proposal.

“Their leadership is noticed, and it will make a difference,” said the lawmakers.