EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has committed $26 million to tackle lead contamination in schools nationwide, while the Biden administration continues to prioritize illegal immigrants over American children’s health and safety.
Key Takeaways
- The EPA is allocating $26 million to identify and remediate lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities across America.
- Since 2018, over $200 million has been directed toward addressing lead exposure in drinking water, with measurable success in several states.
- Lead is a dangerous neurotoxin that particularly affects children’s development, making this funding crucial for protecting young Americans.
- The initiative is part of the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program established under the WIIN Act of 2016.
- States including Texas, Colorado, and New Hampshire have already made significant progress in testing and remediating lead contamination in educational facilities.
EPA Funds Lead Remediation in Schools
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a $26 million initiative to combat lead contamination in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities across the United States and its territories. This critical funding will help educational institutions identify and remove sources of lead exposure, ensuring millions of American children have access to safe drinking water. The initiative comes as part of the EPA’s ongoing commitment to addressing environmental hazards that directly impact children’s health and development, particularly in locations where they spend significant portions of their day.
EPA is committed to ensuring safe drinking water for communities across America. Today, EPA announced $26 million in funding for states and territories to address lead in drinking water at schools and child care facilities. Read more: https://t.co/mxcfqAW5Wa pic.twitter.com/k7FO2AwDVL
— U.S. EPA (@EPA) June 13, 2025
“With $26 million in funding this year, more schools will be able to identify sources of lead in their water and take action so that our nation’s children can focus on learning, playing, and developing skills that will maximize their potential and make our nation stronger,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin
Understanding the Lead Threat
The danger posed by lead contamination cannot be overstated, especially for developing children. “Lead is a neurotoxin that can negatively impact American children,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin when announcing the funding. Unlike many other environmental contaminants, lead exposure has no safe threshold, with even minimal amounts potentially causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Children under six are particularly vulnerable, as their rapidly developing nervous systems can suffer permanent damage from lead exposure.
Allocation and Implementation
The funding distribution will reach all states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories through the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program. Established under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016, this program has been instrumental in addressing lead contamination in educational settings. Specific allocation amounts for each jurisdiction are accessible through the WIIN grant website, with tribal allotments to be announced separately. This structured approach ensures that resources reach communities based on documented need.
Success Stories and Progress
The EPA’s commitment to addressing lead contamination has already yielded significant results. Since 2019, over 20,000 childcare facilities and nearly 13,000 schools nationwide have tested their water for lead, with substantial remediation efforts completed. Texas stands out as a success story, having tested approximately 97% of its planned facilities with assistance from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. This level of commitment demonstrates how effective federal-state partnerships can be when addressing critical environmental health concerns.
Colorado’s Test and Fix Water for Kids program has protected approximately 600,000 children from lead exposure, while New Hampshire has replaced drinking water apparatus in 360 schools and implemented remediation actions in 80 childcare facilities. These successes highlight how targeted funding can produce measurable improvements in environmental safety for our children. Since 2018, the EPA has provided over $200 million to address lead exposure in drinking water, creating a foundation for this latest round of funding to build upon.
The Path Forward
The EPA’s 3Ts program (Training, Testing, and Taking Action) offers comprehensive guidance to build voluntary lead reduction programs in educational settings. This structured approach helps facilities develop sustainable practices for maintaining safe drinking water. While the $26 million allocation represents a positive step forward, the challenge of lead contamination remains substantial, particularly in older facilities where lead pipes and fixtures are common. Continued vigilance and investment will be necessary to completely eliminate this threat to America’s children.
As this initiative moves forward, President Trump’s administration through the EPA is demonstrating a commitment to addressing environmental health hazards that directly impact American children. By prioritizing the removal of lead from schools and childcare facilities, the administration is making a tangible investment in the future health, development, and success of the next generation of Americans. This focus on America’s children represents the kind of domestic priority that resonates with voters concerned about the health and safety of their families.
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