Palmer: EPA Partially at Fault for Flint Crisis

For Immediate Release

Washington D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, participated in a hearing today that examined the EPA’s failure to intervene in the drinking water crisis that left the citizens of Flint, Michigan exposed to lead poisoning. The EPA had been aware that the city’s water systems had inadequate corrosion protection but took no direct action for nearly one year.

"Families are suffering because of the malfeasance of the EPA, but no one within the organization is willing to accept responsibility,” Palmer said. Instead of trying to regulate rain water in ditches, the EPA should focus on the responsibilities it has been given, like updating regulations associated with the Safe Water Drinking Act. Our focus now should be on fixing the problems so that people never have to appear again before this Committee, with their children, to try to get the government to do what it’s supposed to do.”

Congressman Palmer’s questions of witnesses can be seen here.

For any additional questions, contact:

William Smith, (202) 225-4921, william.smith@mail.house.gov

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) serves on three Congressional committees: Oversight and Government Reform, Budget, and Science, Space and Technology.