Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of states to defend the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). The LCRI, effective since December 30, aims to replace the Trump Administration's previous rule, which had weakened drinking water standards. The new rule introduces stricter measures to ensure safe drinking water, including a requirement for nationwide lead pipe replacement within ten years. This initiative faces opposition from the American Water Works Association.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of access to clean drinking water, stating, “Access to clean, safe drinking water is an essential right, yet millions of Americans still are exposed to dangerous levels of lead in their drinking water.” He added that defending the Biden Administration’s rule is crucial for public health and community well-being.

The original Lead and Copper Rule was enacted in 1991 to reduce exposure to harmful metals in drinking water. Lead exposure poses significant health risks, especially for children whose developing systems are more vulnerable. The EPA has determined that no level of lead in drinking water is safe.

Lead contamination often results from corroded pipes and fixtures containing lead or brass. This issue disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color with older infrastructure more likely served by lead pipes.

The Biden Administration’s LCRI seeks to strengthen protections by lowering the lead action level from 15 to 10 parts per billion and mandating comprehensive pipe replacements within a decade. These changes are expected by health experts to significantly reduce lead exposure through drinking water.

Joining Attorney General Bonta in this legal defense are attorneys general from New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

A copy of the motion related to this coalition can be accessed online.