The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
Mayor Johnson’s 20-year plan falls short of meeting President Biden’s promise to America that toxic lead service lines, banned in the United States in 1986, will be removed in 10 years.
Mayor Johnson does not seem to understand the grave importance of removing lead service lines affecting over 65,000 homes in Milwaukee. Rather than welcome and embrace Biden’s promise, the Mayor turns a blind eye to how crucial the President’s call to action is in removing these hazards within 10 years or less.
Removing lead pipes within 10 years protects the health of Milwaukee residents, regardless of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency failure to overhaul its weak Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) for drinking water. The LCR’s antiquated guidelines have harmed residents of Milwaukee for far too long.
While the EPA moves forward with efforts to create a new finalized LCR by October 2024, Mayor Johnson must commit to actualizing the President’s promise for Milwaukee residents. The city must require the MKE Water Utility to fully remove every lead pipe within a decade.
–Miranda is a Milwaukee activist and a member of the Get The Lead Out Coalition Steering Committee.
