Clean Water, Without Bankrupting Us

In Hamilton County over the last ten years, our sewer rates have increased by a staggering 130%.  What’s more, the county faces paying $3.2 billion more in mandated sewer update costs (enough money to build two Brent Spence Bridges!)  And jaw-dropping bills like this are occurring in communities all across America.

Why such huge rate increases?  Because local communities are attempting to comply with consent decrees they’ve been forced to agree to by the federal EPA.  To date, the EPA has taken a one-size-fits-all, top-down, Washington-knows-best approach in enforcing sewer and stormwater standards.  Such exorbitant costs are making it next to impossible for local communities to adequately fund police, fire, road repair, and other local priorities.  It’s a big problem.

Awhile back, Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, came to me seeking help on this important issue.  He’s been working with a coalition of other local government officials all across the country, who are struggling with the same problem.  Todd and I, our staffs, and the coalition have been working together to come up with a solution.  I believe we’ve found it.

I am introducing legislation in Congress today, which if passed, would give local communities more flexibility to come up with innovative, less expensive, ways to address their wastewater and stormwater challenges.  Communities would still have to achieve the same high standards for clean water, but additional flexibility should allow many communities to do so in a more affordable and cost-effective manner.

My bill would call for the EPA to allow 15 pilot communities across America to work with the EPA to set up their own program to come into compliance with clean water standards.  It’s my hope, and goal, that Hamilton County will be chosen as one of the 15 pilot programs.  Our community, of course, would have to apply and compete for one of the 15 slots in a fair and above-board process.  We’ll study and learn from these programs, and if successful, eventually allow most local communities to adopt what works best in their area, and thus save taxpayers a lot of money (and still maintain stringent clean water standards.)

I want to thank and commend Commissioner Portune for his leadership in addressing a very challenging issue in a very innovative and thoughtful manner.  I guess this is at least one example of bipartisanship at work – a Democrat and a Republican working together to get something done for our community, and for our country.

I’ll keep you informed as we move forward.

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