• Republicans on a House Appropriations Committee are proposing a 64% cut to two federal clean water funds for the next fiscal year.

  • The proposed cuts would reduce funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund by nearly $1.8 billion.

  • These funds provide loans and assistance for water infrastructure projects and improvements to ensure safe drinking water.

  • Advocates argue that the proposed cuts would leave many communities with unsafe water and exacerbate water affordability issues.

  • Democrats in the Senate are urged to reject the Republican proposal.

  • Passing the WATER Act is suggested to safeguard federal water funding.

  • The WATER Act would provide funding for repairing failing water and sewer systems.

  • New research found that at least 45% of U.S. tap water is contaminated with PFAS chemicals.

  • A recent Supreme Court ruling narrowed the definition of protected wetlands under the Clean Water Act.

  • The Biden administration’s new clean water rule was finalized in December but the GOP bill would repeal that regulation.

  • circularfish@beehaw.orgM
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    1 year ago

    Some of the Republicans supporting this represent poor rural districts that suffer from a lack of infrastructure. In their minds they are sticking it to “those others” living in the big cities, but of course are hurting their own constituents.