Tonko, Pallone Mark 50 Years of Safe Drinking Water Act with Introduction of AQUA Act

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, on the 50-year anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials, and Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) introduced the AQUA Act, legislation that fixes America's drinking water systems. The bill provides needed federal investments to local communities to address critical water infrastructure needs, delivers a lifeline to beleaguered water utilities in return for a commitment to temporarily halt water shutoffs for struggling customers, and ensures that every one of the millions of lead service lines still in use will be replaced.

Among numerous other issue areas, Tonko's Energy and Commerce Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Safe Drinking Water Act, which was enacted on December 16, 1974, to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply.

"50 years ago, Congress took historic action to protect public health and improve the quality of drinking water across America," Congressman Tonko said. "Half a century ago later, that lofty but vital commitment continues with the introduction our AQUA Act. I have often said that every life and every job is dependent on clean water. During my leadership role in the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee, I've pushed to strengthen and expand access to safe drinking water. We made significant progress in the past three years with the advance of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, our commitment to clean water for every U.S. community is far from complete. Regions across the nation need additional, targeted resources to fix their crumbling infrastructure, and that's where our AQUA Act comes in. This bill tackles devastating PFAS contamination in our drinking water and helps local communities get their water systems onto more sustainable footing. As we celebrate 50 years of drinking water investments and improvement, let's continue working to rebuild America's infrastructure, removing dangerous contaminants, and creating a strong, healthy, resilient economy for all."

"Access to clean, safe drinking water is a basic human right, and on this 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, I'm proud to join Congressman Tonko in introducing legislation that protects that right and ensures every American can trust the water coming out of their tap," said Congressman Pallone. "This bill not only requires EPA to set new, strict drinking water standards for dangerous PFAS 'forever chemicals,' but it also devotes much-needed funding to local governments so they can repair our aging water systems and remove toxic lead from our children's schools. This is exactly what's required for Americans to finally have what they deserve - full and complete trust in their drinking water - and I applaud Congressman Tonko for his unfailing determination to get the job done."

Tonko has worked in Congress for years to ensure Americans have access to safe drinking water. Last month, he celebrated three years since the enactment of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and its more than $16 million in clean water investments delivered directly to New York's 20th District.

The AQUA Act

• Invests nearly $104 billion over 10 years for our nation's water systems, including:
• • $49 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) over 10 years
  • $30 billion to support the full replacement of every lead service line
  • $5 billion to help systems with PFAS contamination
• Requires EPA to set new, health-protective standards for PFAS, 1,4-dioxane, microcystin toxin, and chromium-6 while setting clearer criteria for EPA to set standards in the future
• Authorizes $1.5 billion annually for 10 years for a permanent water affordability program, modeled on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, to assist households in improving or maintaining access to affordable drinking water.

A fact sheet of the AQUA Act can be found HERE.

A section-by-section summary can be found HERE.