Listening Sessions on EPA Draft Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures

In October 2021 EPA released, for public review and comment, a draft “Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities.” In November 2021 that document was updated by EPA (copy here updated-public-comment-draft-lead-strategy-11-16-2021) to include information from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the public comment period was extended until March 16, 2022.

While drinking water is mentioned throughout the draft Strategy, the detailed discussion regarding drinking water actions begins on page 10.

On January 31, 2022, EPA announced the schedule for ten “listening sessions” on the draft Strategy.  The ten listening sessions are scheduled for each of EPA’s ten regions and will be held from early February (the first listening session is scheduled for February 8, 2022 in EPA’s Region 10) until March 9, 2022.  EPA states “These Zoom webinars will provide the public with an opportunity to provide verbal input on this draft national strategy.”  There is a separate listening session scheduled for Native American tribes.

The link below will take you to the EPA web site on the draft Strategy.  Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the date for each listening session and a link to register (each listening session is scheduled for 6 pm, local time).

https://www.epa.gov/lead/draft-strategy-reduce-lead-exposures-and-disparities-us-communities