News & Commentary

What to Watch for in the EPA’s Final PFAS Drinking Water Rule

March 12, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson, Dr. Anna Reade

Expected EPA rule could take a bite out of the “forever chemicals” in tap water crisis.

What’s Great and What Needs Fixing in the EPA’s Proposed Lead Rule

January 8, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

The EPA would require most water systems to remove lead pipes within 10 years. That's great, but key improvements are needed.

Lead on Tap: A Short History of the Failure to Fix One of America’s Worst Water Contamination Crises

November 29, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

Why has it taken so long to fix the lead in tap water crisis? Here's a short history.

What to Look for in a New Lead and Copper Rule

November 15, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

What's needed to fix the EPA's broken rule for lead in drinking water? Some answers here.

Removing Lead Pipes Would Save Lives—and Money

October 25, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

Over the next 35 years, removing lead service lines would result in significant cost savings—$786 billion—from avoided health impacts.

Water Crisis in Philly Highlights Our Broken National System

March 27, 2023 Expert BlogPhiladelphia, Jackson, Ohio, United StatesErik D. Olson

An industrial chemical spill upstream of the city’s water intakes is poised to contaminate the water supply. If you feel like you’ve seen this movie before, it’s because you have.

EPA’s Chance Is NOW to Finally Fix the Broken Lead & Copper Rule

February 28, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, Michigan, InternationalErik D. Olson

Americans across political lines support action to fix lead in drinking water—and here’s how it can be done.

Ohio Train Disaster Reveals Gaping Holes in Hazardous Chemical Controls

February 21, 2023 Expert BlogOhio, MidwestDr. Jennifer Sass, Erik D. Olson

The Norfolk Southern toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, was an accident waiting to happen. We need regulatory action to prevent more—or even worse—accidents from happening.

All the Earmarks of Harmful Water Policy

February 17, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson, Kyler Sumter

NRDC findings show that communities of color most in need of water infrastructure funding are less likely to get it.

Let’s Follow Through on President’s Promise to Pull All Lead Pipes in 10 Years

February 7, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

Fulfilling the president’s crucial commitment is only possible if the EPA fixes its Lead & Copper Rule.

White House to Announce Crucial Lead in Water Principles

January 27, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

The Biden-Harris administration has committed to the goal of removing all lead service lines within 10 years.

EPA Will No Longer Defend Weak Lead in Tap Water Rule in Court

December 9, 2022 Expert BlogUnited StatesKyler Sumter, Erik D. Olson

The agency is expected to strengthen health protections by proposing a new rule next year.

Infrastructure Law’s Lead Pipe Removal Effort Is Wildly Popular

November 16, 2022 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

Nine in 10 Americans support removing 100% of lead pipes from our water systems within 10 years. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed a year ago will help, but EPA must overhaul its lead in drinking water rule to make it…

Jackson Water Crisis Highlights Race, Disinvestment & Poor Oversight

September 9, 2022 Expert BlogJacksonErik D. Olson

The new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law could help, but must be implemented right by states and EPA.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Means Big Investments in Safe Water and Lead Pipe Removal

March 29, 2022 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

The new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law means safer drinking water could be in your family's future, with a $30 billion investment in cleaning up lead, toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, and other contaminants from our tap water.

Principles for Lead Service Line Replacements

March 1, 2022 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson, Joan Leary Matthews

Here are some lessons and recommendations for quickly, efficiently, and equitably removing lead pipes from the ground.

Removing Lead from the Drinking Water of Millions of American Children

November 19, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

The funding in the Build Back Better Act, combined with funding in the bipartisan infrastructure bill, will be, by far, the most significant funding for removing lead from drinking water in U.S. history.

House Committee Makes Historic Water Investments

September 13, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

A key House committee expected to approve major historic investment in removing lead pipes and in fixing deteriorating drinking water infrastructure.

Budget Targets Lead Pipe Removal, Water Infrastructure Fixes, Job Creation

June 2, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

The President’s Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget would make a down payment on addressing the crisis of decrepit water supplies serving tens of millions of people with basic health and safety needs.

Big Chance to Get the Lead Out and Fix Water Infrastructure

May 12, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

There's an unprecedented opportunity to finally fix the scourge of lead-contaminated tap water, and to address our decrepit drinking water and sewer systems. But we must act now!