Communities across Idaho have struggled to meet the federal government’s arsenic standards and are often forced to make difficult, even impossible, budget decisions in order to do so.  This is why I have repeatedly cosponsored legislation that would let cities opt out of the federal arsenic standards.  Unfortunately, those in Congress who support these unrealistic environmental standards have refused to even consider this legislation. 

If the federal government is going to pass on these mandates to local communities, they should also provide funding to communities to meet the standards.  For years I have worked with my colleagues in the Idaho Congressional Delegation to increase funding to Idaho communities to address drinking water and wastewater treatment needs, and I will continue to do so.