[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 150 (Friday, November 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2001

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Safe Drinking 
Water Act.
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency yesterday announced plans to 
increase arsenic standards in drinking water from 50 parts per billion 
(ppb) to 10 ppb.
  I've always shared the concerns of the operators of our water systems 
throughout New Mexico that the high costs of complying with stricter 
new standards could raise water bills so high that New Mexicans can no 
longer afford treated water. The federal government must help cover the 
cost of these new standards.
  Mayors throughout the western states, including Albuquerque Mayor Jim 
Baca, have repeatedly expressed their concern about the effects higher 
standards will have on consumers and on city coffers that are already 
stretched.
  Today I am introducing the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure that 
communities throughout the United States can continue to enjoy safe and 
clean drinking water. My legislation will provide grants to communities 
that need to come into compliance with the new drinking water standards 
announced today by the Bush administration.
  We all want, expect, and deserve safe and clean drinking water that 
is affordable. Through a combination of the EPA's new standards and 
federal assistance, I believe we'll continue to get just that.

                          ____________________