After Flint, Congress works to push green water infrastructure

Lawmakers from both sides of the Capitol and both sides of the aisle are pushing to require the Environmental Protection Agency to promote environmentally friendly water infrastructure.

The Water Infrastructure Flexibility Act, introduced in both the House and Senate, would require the EPA to conduct outreach and training on green infrastructure through its regional offices. It also would establish a new office in the EPA to assist cities and other local governments with technical issues in complying with the Clean Water Act.

The proposal would help tackle a nationwide problem that led to a scandal in Flint, Mich., where ancient lead pipes corroded into the city's drinking water after the city government decided to switch water sources. Other cities have had to find fixes for aging infrastructure that have endangered water quality, and many hope that President Trump's $1 trillion infrastructure proposal will include some funding for them to upgrade their systems.

The bill has made it to the Senate floor after being introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb. It has eight co-sponsors in the Senate, four Democrats and four Republicans. It was advanced out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously in April.

"Improvements to water infrastructure help keep Americans healthy and safe. But as local communities work to comply with burdensome EPA mandates, costs are ultimately passed on to families through higher utility bills," Fischer said. "This bipartisan legislation would give cities and local communities more control and flexibility as they manage infrastructure updates. It would also allow them to prioritize projects in an effective manner."