News & Commentary

Report: Getting the Lead Out Costs Less Than You May Think

August 19, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesLarry Levine

Don’t Let Opponents’ Overblown Cost Estimates Derail EPA Rules to Replace Toxic Lead Pipes

New Pipes Equal Safer Family

August 5, 2024 Expert BlogDenver, ColoradoSam Gilchrist

I just had my lead service line replaced, and I couldn’t be happier.

Let’s Finish the Job and Get Lead Out of Our Drinking Water

July 25, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesAngela Guyadeen

The Biden-Harris administration has racked up the most impressive list of environmental justice achievements in our nation’s history. But one major priority—finalizing the Lead and Copper Rule—still has not made it across the White House finish line. It’s urgent that…

North Carolina Environmental Commission Dithers on Necessary Standards

June 20, 2024 Expert BlogNorth CarolinaCorinne Bell

The newest members of the Environmental Management Commission are keeping PFAS pollution flowing to North Carolina's taps.

New York State Legislative Session Wraps Up: What’s In and What’s Out?

June 13, 2024 Expert BlogNew YorkRich Schrader

In the wake of the 2024 New York legislative session, we highlight some key victories and grapple with challenging political roadblocks.

Memo to Water Utilities: Don’t Pit Safe Water Against Affordable Water

June 6, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesLarry Levine

Let’s reject water utility scare tactics on treatment costs for toxic forever chemicals.

New EPA Drinking Water Report Issues Updated Assessment of Lead Pipes Across the Country

May 30, 2024 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Valerie Baron

According to new data released by EPA, as of 2024 states and utilities report that there are more than nine million U.S. households drinking their water through what amounts to a lead straw. This updates a 2023 Drinking Water Infrastructure…

EPA’s New Rules for Drinking Water Right-to-Know Reporting Are a ‘Mixed Bag’

May 16, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

Regulation forcing water utilities to publicly disclose contamination makes modest improvements but fails to explicitly ban false or misleading statements.

Of Colorado's Wetlands Protection Bills, Only HB 1379 Gets the Job Done

April 29, 2024 Expert BlogColoradoSam Gilchrist

Colorado urgently needs to step up to safeguard our wetlands and streams left vulnerable by the Sackett decision.

Poll: People Want Action on Plastics for Health and Wildlife

April 15, 2024 Expert BlogInternational, Canada, United States, Ohio, PennsylvaniaDaniel Rosenberg

New poll results show overwhelming public support for government action to address the plastic crisis, including a strong global plastics treaty.

“Forever Chemicals” Called PFAS Show Up in Your Food, Clothes, and Home

April 10, 2024 ExplainerUnited StatesMolly M. Ginty, Courtney Lindwall

These toxic chemicals are so common in consumer products and manufacturing that they’re everywhere—including inside our bodies.

Reports of Sickening Water Conditions at Pontiac, Illinois Prison

April 9, 2024 Expert BlogIllinoisIhab Mikati, Sahana Rao

People imprisoned in Pontiac report using makeshift filters to protect themselves from water that is often described as oily, swampy, and brown or black.

EPA Advisory Board to Weigh in on Water Affordability

April 8, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesLarry Levine

NRDC comments offer a framework for solutions.

What to Watch for in the EPA’s Final PFAS Drinking Water Rule

March 12, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson, Dr. Anna Reade

Expected EPA rule could take a bite out of the “forever chemicals” in tap water crisis.

IRS: Free Lead Service Line Replacement Is Not Taxable Income

March 12, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesValerie Baron

The most common lead pipe replacement programs do not create taxable income for homeowners, which is good news if you don't like drinking through a lead straw.

Kern County’s Self Imposed Deja-vu

March 8, 2024 Expert BlogCaliforniaAnn Alexander

Kern County's violations of environmental law result in a second courtroom defeat for its industry-friendly oil drilling ordinance. 

New Analysis Shows Widespread PFAS Contamination of Tap Water in CA

February 21, 2024 Expert BlogCaliforniaDr. Anna Reade

Estimate of Californians with PFAS in drinking water jumps to 25 million—highlights need for proposed bill SB 903 to end unnecessary use of forever chemicals.

What DC Water's Boil Advisory Fumble Teaches Us About Lead

January 23, 2024 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Valerie Baron

DC Water put customers at risk. Safeguards being considered by the EPA for the new Lead and Copper Rule could help—if the agency gets it right.

Q&A: We Can’t Wait 40-Plus Years for Chicago to Get the Lead Out

January 10, 2024 Expert BlogUnited States, ChicagoChakena D. Perry

The city with the most lead service lines in the nation has been given 40 years—or more—to replace its lead pipes, according to the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements proposal.

What’s Great and What Needs Fixing in the EPA’s Proposed Lead Rule

January 8, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

The EPA would require most water systems to remove lead pipes within 10 years. That's great, but key improvements are needed.