Trump administration backs 10-year deadline to replace harmful lead pipes

Main Idea: The Trump administration said it will defend a Biden-era rule that gives most water systems 10 years to replace harmful lead pipes, backing the American Water Works Association’s court challenge to that deadline only in part.

Key Points:

• The Environmental Protection Agency told a federal appeals court it supports the core rule, which would force replacement of lead service lines to cut lead in drinking water.
• The American Water Works Association is challenging the rule, saying the EPA lacks authority over pipe sections on private property and that the 10-year timeline is too hard to meet.
• The EPA says utilities have enough control over lead lines and that most systems can finish replacements within 10 years or less.
• The rule is meant to reduce lead exposure, which can harm children’s brain development and raise health risks for adults.