After Two Years, Still No Fix for Flint

NEW YORK—Monday marks the two-year anniversary of Flint, Michigan's disastrous switch to draw water from the Flint River. That decision, and the resulting corrosive water that drew lead from the City's pipes, contaminated the drinking water and poisoned children. Despite the passage of time, many in the city still do not have access to safe water.

Last month, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), ACLU of Michigan, Concerned Pastors for Social Action and Flint resident Melissa Mays demanded home delivery of water in Flint until safe water from the taps is available to all as part of their federal lawsuit originally filed in January.

Following is a statement from NRDC President Rhea Suh:

"Two years ago, it was inconceivable that an American city could be poisoned by its government. And even harder to believe that the situation would be allowed to fester unresolved for years. This unhappy anniversary makes clear that our country continues to fail Flint. We should all be shocked and embarrassed that Flint's drinking water has not been fixed.

"While there is plenty of blame to go around, the Senate's refusal to move a Flint aid package is a disgrace. We have reached a point where dysfunction in Congress is literally poisoning people. Politics is no excuse-the Senate Majority Leader cannot allow this to continue.

"We need to get the lead out of Flint now. But that is not enough. Lead in drinking water is a national problem that can and must be solved. It is time to get the lead out of drinking water in every community in America."

"Flint reminds us how vital watchdog groups are to this country. While every level of government failed the people of Flint, NRDC and our partners have been fighting for immediate safe water and a permanent remedy for the people of Flint. We demanded action from the EPA before the State of Michigan even admitted there was a problem. And now we are suing the City and State to ensure that they get the lead out-and deliver safe water until that happens.

More Information:

• More information on lawsuits at https://www.nrdc.org/media/2016/160324 and https://www.nrdc.org/media/2016/160127
• Rhea Suh on "fixing Flint" at https://medium.com/natural-resources-defense-council/we-need-to-talk-about-flint-38df99348fcd#.xyq22drd6
• New York Times editorial, "Seeking Justice for Flint's Residents" referencing updated  lawsuits http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/opinion/seeking-justice-for-flint-residents.html