Washington (November 24, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today led the Massachusetts delegation in writing to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the EPA to release Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allotments for lead service line replacement. These funds are critical to Massachusetts’ efforts to protect public health, advance the removal of all lead service lines statewide, and provide certainty for communities worried about their water infrastructure investments. Senator Markey was joined by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representatives Katherine Clark (MA-05), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Bill Keating (MA-09), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Richard Neal (MA-01).
In the letter, the Massachusetts delegation writes, “The science behind the need to replace these lines has not changed and the benefits of replacement far outweigh the costs. Delay jeopardizes public health protections for families, increases project costs, and undermines job creation in communities that stand ready to begin construction. Prolonged uncertainty surrounding funding availability is causing unnecessary disruption and inefficiency, while families nationwide continue to suffer harm from aging infrastructure that leaches lead into their drinking water. Lead exposure is unsafe at any level and disproportionately affects children and low-income families, especially in Latino and Black communities.”
The lawmakers continue, “Every week of delay has real consequences, particularly in states such as Massachusetts that have some of the oldest water infrastructure in the nation. Cities and towns have prepared bids, identified contractors, and engaged residents, yet cannot move forward until the EPA finalizes state allotments. Timely release of these funds will allow states to maintain construction momentum, protect public health, and adhere to the statutory mandate in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
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