Straight Talk: Money for Water

These are remarkable times where the White House fix on “deconstruction of the administrative state” is juxtaposed to strong federal action in addressing protections for our health.  The importance of a vigilant US EPA is apparent in its December warning that the PA DEP lacks adequate staffing and resources to enforce safe water standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act.  Strong capacity to protect and enforce for public health is increasingly paramount at the state, regional, county, and municipal levels in order to take up the slack anticipated from roll backs in D.C.  On the latter, Councilwoman Gross models local self-reliance with intent to equip homes with filters for lead contamination.  Our region’s sustainability rides on adequate public protections of life giving water, air, and ecosystems — the necessities of life.