President Joe Biden traveled to Wilmington, North Carolina, on Thursday to tout the administration's water infrastructure investments in a key swing state as the election season draws nearer. Biden focused the majority of his remarks on efforts to replace lead water pipes that remain in use around the country despite health concerns associated with lead leaking into drinking water.
These lead lines are tough and durable and they don't rust, but we've long since learned they leak poisonous toxins into our water," the president explained. "The science is clear – lead service lines pose severe health risks, damaging the brain and kidneys. In children especially, they stunt growth, slow learning and cause lasting brain damage.
Let me say what I've said many times before, there's no – no – safe level of lead exposure, none. The only way forward is to replace every lead service line that connects Americans to clean water. That's why Kamala and I are making sure this administration is the first ever to set out to do it, and we're going to get it done," Biden said.
It noted that the bipartisan infrastructure law included over $50 billion in funding for water infrastructure, while the American Rescue Plan provided over $20 billion in water infrastructure for state and local governments slated for use on water infrastructure projects. Further, the White House said the state of North Carolina has used $150 million from the American Rescue Plan to test for and remove lead hazards in schools and daycare centers around the state.