The mandate doesn’t include additional funding, prompting backlash from utility companies.

A proposed rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would require water utilities to identify and remove pipes with any level of lead over ten years, reports Kery Murakami for Route Fifty.
While the rule would not add new funding, “The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act did include $15 billion to remove lead pipes, as well as $11.7 billion in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds that can also be used for that purpose.” The industry estimates removing all lead pipes around the country could cost as much as $47 billion, saying they may be forced to raise rates for customers.
“But getting less notice is that agencies with the most lead pipes will get a little more time to meet the requirement,” Murakami adds. “Specifically, the agency said it would give utilities that have to replace more than 10,000 service lines a year ‘as many years as necessary’ to replace all the lead pipes “as quickly as feasible.’” The use of lead pipes for drinking water has been outlawed since 1986.
The proposal would also require cities to pass laws requiring private property owners to replace their own lead pipes or give the local utility access to do so. “The EPA argued that the cost of removing virtually all of the nation’s lead pipes is worth the price because of the harm they are causing to not only children but adults, too.”
FULL STORY: EPA proposes all lead pipes be replaced within 10 years

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie