REP. SYKES INTRODUCES AMENDMENT TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES’ ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Yesterday, U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13), the Vice Ranking Member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, introduced an amendment to H.R. 1152, a bill which would limit states’ authority to review and approve federal projects that may harm a community’s water quality. Rep. Sykes’ amendment would have restored some of a state’s ability to protect its drinking water.
“No American should have to worry about whether their drinking water is safe when they turn on the tap. That’s why I introduced my amendment to ensure our local governments can protect our communities’ water quality,” said Rep. Sykes.
“I’ve visited East Palestine twice in the last two weeks to assess the long-term impact of the Norfolk Southern train derailment — and subsequent chemical spill — on our region’s drinking water and the Ohio River. I’ve spoken to residents worried about the safety of their drinking water— residents who are asking lawmakers of both parties to take action to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again. H.R. 1152, which would make it more difficult for local governments to review actions impacting water quality, is not what the people of East Palestine asked us to do.”
“Protecting clean water is critical to public health and the environment, and enables businesses who rely on clean water to thrive,” Ranking Member Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) said. “Vice Ranking Member Sykes’ amendment to H.R. 1152 sought to preserve the authority that states currently enjoy to protect their waters that was stripped away by the underlying bill. The Norfolk Southern derailment in her home state makes it abundantly clear why states need the ability to protect their rivers, streams, and overall environment from impacts of projects and activities, including railroad derailments. I applaud Rep. Sykes’ work to ensure communities have access to clean, safe water, and that states have the power to maintain high water quality standards.”
If H.R. 1152 is enacted, the legislation will prevent states like Ohio and so many others from taking any of the following into consideration as the basis for their objections to certain projects:
- The potential for a pipeline to leak dangerous chemicals into the groundwater;
- Any toxic runoff from an approved factory; and
- Pollution in our waterways that results from a train derailment.
Rep. Sykes’ amendment was rejected by a vote of 34 to 26, with committee Republicans voting in opposition. Rep. Sykes subsequently voted against H.R. 1152, which was passed out of committee. The bill is now referred to the full House.