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| Wilson reacts to tighter EPA Arsenic Standards |
November 01, 2001 |
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| WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Heather Wilson made the following statement today in response to news that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to increase arsenic standards in drinking water from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb.
“I’ve always shared the concerns of the operators of our water systems throughout New Mexico that the high costs of complying with stricter new standards could raise water bills so high that New Mexicans can no longer afford treated water. The federal government must help cover the cost of these new standards.
“Officials with the city of Albuquerque, including Mayor Baca, have also repeatedly expressed their concern about the effects higher standards will have on consumers and on city coffers that are already stretched.
“This week I will introduce legislation in the U.S. House to ensure that communities throughout our state can continue to enjoy safe and clean drinking water. My legislation will provide grants to communities that need to come into compliance with the new drinking water standards announced today by the Bush administration. Albuquerque and communities serving less than 200,000 people, as well as American Indian tribes, would be eligible.
“We all want, expect, and deserve safe and clean drinking water that is affordable. Through a combination of the EPA’s new standards and federal assistance, I believe we’ll continue to get just that.” |
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