Remarks by the Second Gentleman on Delivering Clean Water for Americans in Raleigh, North Carolina

[As Prepared for Delivery]

SECOND GENTLEMAN DOUGLAS EMHOFF: Thank you, Secretary Kinsley.

Principal Hopkins, Mayor Williams, Congresswoman Foushee, and Administrator Gettle – thank you all for being here.

It's great to be back in North Carolina. As Second Gentleman, I've visited this great state a few times now.

Today, I'm here to highlight how President Biden and Vice President Harris are investing in Durham.

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to broad based economic growth and is making historic investments in infrastructure. Since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed, we have made real progress across the nation.

To date, the Administration has announced nearly $4.5 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, including over 56,000 projects, across 4,500 communities, in all 50 states.

We've launched improvements on over 165,000 miles of roads, 9,400 bridges, and more than 300 airport terminals.

I've been traveling across the country to see the impact of this funding. Just last month, I was in Michigan with the First Lady visiting the Soo Locks. We saw how this funding is being used to improve the efficiency of one of the most critical pieces of supply chain infrastructure in North America.

Earlier this year, I visited the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport to learn about how this funding is improving airport accessibility for people with disabilities.

I was also in Denver to highlight how we are reconnecting the city by providing access to a network of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure.

And now, I'm here to see how we are funding clean water projects in Durham.

We just had the chance to visit a lead pipe testing site and learn more about the process. It's great to see firsthand how we are ensuring Durham has clean drinking water.

President Biden and Vice President Harris believe every American should be able to turn on the tap and access clean, safe water.

In 2024, over two million people in the United States live without running water.

Tens of millions more lack access to safe drinking water and reliable sanitation.

And over nine million homes, daycares, and businesses receive their water through toxic lead pipes.

Drinking water that comes from lead pipes can cause serious health issues, especially for young people. It stunts growth, causes brain damage, and affects learning.

Due to decades of inequitable infrastructure development, lead poisoning has also disproportionately affected communities of color.

This is unacceptable.

President Biden and Vice President Harris understand that access to clean water can be the difference between life and death.

That's why they invested $15 billion in lead pipe replacement nationwide through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. $250 million of that is going directly to communities here in North Carolina.

And through the American Rescue Plan, North Carolina received historic investments in clean water – including $2 billion for 800 clean water projects across this state.

Within that $2 billion, $150 million was allocated to Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. $32 million of that is going directly toward testing every water fountain in every school across the state to remove lead hazards.

We are seeing those dollars at work right here at Lyons Farm Elementary School – where water samples are being tested.

Today, I'm proud to announce the Environmental Protection Agency is awarding the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services nearly $1.3 million to continue testing for lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities.

This is a big deal and shows how we can remove lead hazards from learning environments.

There are also positive ripple effects.

These investments are good for the economy, public safety, and public health. They're creating good-paying union jobs in Durham and across the country.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have made it their goal to replace every lead service line in the country over the next decade. And this is a critical part of that effort.

This is part of Vice President Harris' lifelong work to secure environmental justice. She believes clean water is a right, no matter where you live or how much money you earn.

When she served as District Attorney?of San Francisco, she saw firsthand how some communities became dumping grounds for environmental hazards and havens for pollution.

In response, she created the city's first environmental justice unit to go after polluters and protect the health of communities.

As a United States Senator, she introduced legislation to advance smart water policy, invest in efficiency and recycling technology, and to take on the problem of lead pipes.

And just recently, as Vice President, she announced $5.8 billion in funding for water infrastructure projects nationwide, including lead pipe removal.

She knows that our young people and families deserve better.

She and President Biden will keep fighting to improve public health, boost the economy, and save lives.

We want every American to know that the Biden-Harris Administration has your back.

With that, I'll hand it over to an advocate for North Carolina and an expert on this topic. Please join me in welcoming Environmental Protection Agency Region Four Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle.