'Far-Right Radicalism': GOP Wants to Cut Funding for Clean Water Programs by 64%
www.commondreams.org
"House Republicans should be ashamed of themselves," said one campaigner. "Their spending proposal threatens the very safety of our country's water and wastewater systems for the sake of political showmanship."

  • Republicans on a House Appropriations Committee are proposing a 64% cut to two federal clean water funds for the next fiscal year.

  • The proposed cuts would reduce funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund by nearly $1.8 billion.

  • These funds provide loans and assistance for water infrastructure projects and improvements to ensure safe drinking water.

  • Advocates argue that the proposed cuts would leave many communities with unsafe water and exacerbate water affordability issues.

  • Democrats in the Senate are urged to reject the Republican proposal.

  • Passing the WATER Act is suggested to safeguard federal water funding.

  • The WATER Act would provide funding for repairing failing water and sewer systems.

  • New research found that at least 45% of U.S. tap water is contaminated with PFAS chemicals.

  • A recent Supreme Court ruling narrowed the definition of protected wetlands under the Clean Water Act.

  • The Biden administration’s new clean water rule was finalized in December but the GOP bill would repeal that regulation.

  • @circularfish@beehaw.orgM
    2•1 year ago

    Some of the Republicans supporting this represent poor rural districts that suffer from a lack of infrastructure. In their minds they are sticking it to “those others” living in the big cities, but of course are hurting their own constituents.