New Poll: Replacing Lead Pipes Is Highest Priority for Recovery Investments in Key Swing Districts

(Washington, D.C. – June 25, 2020) New polling conducted for EDF Action reveals voters in 29 swing Congressional districts strongly support addressing lead pipes in future COVID-19 stimulus economic recovery packages. And today, Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Dan Kildee, and Elissa Slotkin filed an amendment (#95) to provide $22.5 billion over 5 years in critical funding for full lead pipe replacement – prioritizing low income and environmental justice communities.

Of all the policies tested in the poll, including expanding the COVID-19 registry and funding reforestation, replacing lead pipes had the highest support: 76%, with 43% of voters strongly supporting the measure. This holds true across party lines, with 64% Republicans, 81% of Independents, and 83% of Democrats supporting the policy. The online survey was conducted by Morning Consult between May 29^th and June 4^th among a national sample of 1,000 voters in swing districts, with the goal of measuring support for investment in clean energy and infrastructure improvements.

“These poll results make clear that people – regardless of their politics – support our country investing in lead pipe replacement,” said Tom Neltner, EDF Chemicals Policy Director. “Here’s an issue that particularly impacts low-income families, and you’ve got Democrats, Republicans and Independents demanding action. Leaders at the federal, state, and local level should take notice: getting lead out of the country’s aging water infrastructure is a political win – and, more importantly, it’s an opportunity to better protect health and reduce disparities.”

“EDF and our partners are advocating for Congress to provide the necessary funding to fully replace the more than 9 million lead service lines that still provide water to homes across the country,” said Joanna Slaney, Legislative Director, EDF Health. “Today’s amendment would make it possible for communities to take the necessary action to protect children from lead in drinking water by replacing these pipes. We urge Members of the House to support it.”