Western Governors’ have urged officials at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue pursuing "state consultation with diligence" as it works on long-term revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR).
"The delivery of clean, reliable drinking water is essential for public health, strong economies, and quality of life," the Governors note in the letter. Moreover, "implementation of the LCR has substantially reduced the presence of lead and copper in drinking water, resulting in significant public health benefits."
The Governors' further assert, however, that "due to states’ prevalent role in the regulation and protection of drinking water, the potential federalism impacts of any LCR revisions must be given adequate analysis and consideration in the development of any proposed rule."
In conclusion, the Governors "request that (EPA) pursue future state consultation with diligence and carefully consider the comments submitted in this letter, as well as those submitted by individual states, while recognizing states’ unique role in the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act for the protection of drinking water from harmful contaminants.”
The comments sent to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt were signed by WGA Chair and South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard and WGA Vice Chair and Hawaii Gov. David Ige.
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