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Environmental Justice
Press Statement November 8, 2023

NAACP Applauds Biden Administration on the ‘Get The Lead Out’ Initiative

Environmental Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

November 8, 2023

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON – This week, the Biden Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the new 'Get The Lead Out' (GLO)  Initiative which aims to accelerate the removals of lead service lines across the nation. This new initiative is part of the Administration's 'Investing in America' agenda and will help 200 underserved communities access technical assistance to identify and remove lead service lines to ensure safer drinking water for Americans.

NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice, Abre' Conner shared this statement on the news of the initiative:

"We applaud the Biden administration for prioritizing historically excluded communities in the Get the Lead Out initiative. The evidence is clear that lead in water leads to brain, heart, and reproductive issues. Studies show that blood lead levels are typically higher in communities of color and low-income communities. For Black communities who have often suffered the brunt of failed water infrastructure, getting lead out of the pipes must be prioritized. We are looking forward to ensuring that the barriers that Black people have continued to share are included in next steps. This is an important step to fixing water system issues, but implementation is even more key."

The NAACP has led the fight for water quality improvements in disadvantaged communities across America. We celebrate this momentous move in the right direction to supply safe drinking and bathing water to environmentally impacted people nationwide and will continue our fight in advocacy for legislation and policies to protect these underserved communities.

For more information on our environmental and climate justice work, visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.