Bill Nelson: “2 years ago following an indepth study requested by Congress, the National Academy of Sciences recommended we reduce the…”

“2 years ago following an indepth study requested by Congress, the National Academy of Sciences recommended we reduce the level of arsenic in drinking water by a significant amount. This is the standard that was, in fact, required in a rule issued by the previous administration, but one that the present administration abruptly overturned last month. In response, I have filed legislation that aims to impose the safer standard of having 80 percent less arsenic in our drinking water than the Bush administration would allow. I believe this is a step needed to protect consumers, children and our environment. Better safe than sorry is a good rule in such matters. This amendment would provide first-year funding of $43 million the Environmental Protection Agency says is needed for smaller cities to be able to improve water systems. This amendment is needed to ensure that cost doesn't prevent public water systems from providing safe, clean drinking water.”