Biden's Policies Drive Clean Water Equity Across the Nation

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As President Biden steps down, the nation takes stock of his administration’s achievements in environmental health, particularly ensuring clean water and addressing legacy pollution. These strides contrast with the deregulation-focused policies of former and now current President Trump and set the stage for a potential shift in strategy under future administrations.

Clean Water for All: Biden’s Transformative Investments

The Biden administration inherited a water infrastructure crisis. Over nine million lead service lines were in use, and two million Americans lacked access to running water—meanwhile, PFAS contamination—linked to cancers and developmental issues—threatened public health. Biden’s policies tackled these challenges head-on.

Key Achievements:

In contrast, the Trump administration’s repeal of the Clean Water Rule in 2020 narrowed federal protections for water bodies, raising concerns about potential pollution in streams and wetlands that serve as drinking water sources.

Mitigating Legacy Pollution: Reversing Past Harm

Biden’s approach to pollution mitigation emphasized cleaning up industrial pollution and revitalizing contaminated sites through federal programs.

Key Achievements:

  • Superfund Site Cleanups: Biden’s administration revitalized the Superfund program, addressing contamination at hundreds of sites nationwide. By reintroducing taxes on chemical and petroleum industries, the program secured additional funding for cleanups.
  • Industrial Emission Reductions: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) allocated billions to cut methane emissions, modernize industrial facilities, and promote clean energy manufacturing. These efforts reduced greenhouse gas emissions while improving air quality in frontline communities.
  • Environmental Justice: Guided by the Justice40 Initiative, 40% of federal climate and clean energy investments targeted communities historically burdened by pollution.

These achievements contrast with the Trump administration’s rollback of nearly 100 environmental regulations, including weakened standards under the Clean Air Act. Critics argued these actions exacerbated health risks in vulnerable populations.

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Looking Ahead: Potential Shifts in Policy

With Biden’s departure, the environmental agenda could pivot significantly. Should it resurface, former President Trump’s deregulatory approach may challenge gains made in water and pollution mitigation. Policies favoring fossil fuels and reduced federal oversight could influence water quality standards and industrial emissions regulation.

Future administrations face a critical decision: sustain Biden’s legacy of equity-focused, climate-conscious investments or revert to policies prioritizing deregulation and economic growth over environmental health.

By the Numbers: Biden’s Environmental Legacy

  • Clean Water:
    • $15 billion allocated for lead pipe replacement.
    • Over $4 billion invested to combat PFAS contamination.
    • 2.5 million Americans to gain access to safe drinking water by 2028.
  • Legacy Pollution:
    • Over 400 superfund sites targeted for cleanup.
    • Methane emissions reduced by 1,000 metric tons annually, equivalent to removing 6,500 cars from the road.
    • 40% of climate and clean energy funds directed to disadvantaged communities.

Biden’s tenure demonstrated the potential of federal investment to address long-standing environmental injustices. As the nation transitions to new leadership, the challenge lies in maintaining this momentum to ensure clean water and a healthier environment for all Americans.

Environment + Energy Leader