Ranking Members Larsen, Napolitano Statements from Hearing on Financing Clean Water Infrastructure

Hearing

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding today's hearing to showcase the critical clean water investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Last Congress, House Democrats worked with the Biden administration to provide the largest investment in our nation's crumbling infrastructure in over a generation.

With each dollar invested and each new water infrastructure project implemented, everyday Americans in your district and mine realize the benefits of the transformational Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with cleaner and safer water and a more resilient and more livable environment.

For example, in my congressional district, Los Angeles County is using BIL funding to carry out a list of long-awaited projects that benefit our community, our local economy, and the businesses and industries that rely on clean, safe, and resilient water for their success.

In just the past two years since the BIL was signed, Los Angeles County has announced numerous partnerships with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the State of California, and local utilities to invest in our water-related infrastructure.

In May of 2022, the County closed a $441 million WIFIA loan that will support the Clearwater Project--a joint water pollution control plant effluent outfall tunnel project that will reduce flooding risks and prevent the contamination of local drinking water sources.

In July of 2023, Los Angeles Sanitation District was awarded close to $2 million from EPA's brownfields program that will allow the district to clean up oil-related contamination at a former industrial site to repurpose the property as a new wastewater recycling project.

Through both the BIL and the historic annual appropriations for the Clean Water SRF program, the County is moving forward on several wastewater and water recycling projects, including $266 million for the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) will produce 19 million gallons per day of purified wastewater for groundwater recharge at Hansen Spreading Grounds in the San Fernando Valley--a major source of water supply for the City's drinking water.

Mr. Chairman, these are just a few of the thousands of examples of critical water-related investments happening all across America because of the BIL.

And, because House Democrats specifically tailored these BIL investments to address the unique affordability concerns facing many minority, rural, and tribal communities, all Americans, regardless of zip code, can benefit from these investments and have access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking and wastewater services.

Yet, Mr. Chairman, I remain concerned with the direction our current House leadership is taking towards sustaining these critical investments in the future.

For example, the majority party has already pulled back from the bipartisan budget agreement reached earlier this year to avoid a governmental default, and now, on the precipice of a pointless government shutdown, is advocating for deeper, draconian cuts to programs that benefit hard working American families.

I am strongly opposed to the projected 40 percent cut to EPA's budget advanced by the majority--and the likely equivalent reduction in protecting our nation's clean water.

Mr. Chairman, as our witnesses today will reiterate, the strength of the American economy is reliant on a clean water.

It is a key ingredient for manufacturing, farming, food processing, small business development, tourism and recreational businesses. If we do not protect our nation's waters, this will have a negative impact on business as they will not have the high-quality water they need for production and growth.

The decline of water quality will also require consumers, businesses, and residents to pay more in water utility bills to treat water before it comes to the tap.

Mr. Chairman, House Democrats proudly support continued investments in our clean water future. Now is not the time to pull back on federal investments in our wastewater infrastructure.

I welcome our panelists here today and look forward to their valued input."

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