Trump admin adds to legal fray over Biden-era lead pipes rule

By Miranda Willson | 02/03/2025 01:50 PM EST

The move casts uncertainty over the fate of the landmark drinking water rule.

Workers install new water pipes.

Workers with East Bay Municipal Utility District install new water pipe April 22, 2021, in Walnut Creek, California. Justin Sullivan/AFP via Getty Images

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has asked a court to pause legal proceedings on the Biden administration’s sweeping lead in drinking water rule as the Trump administration evaluates the regulation.

The agency’s legal filing underscores how the rule requiring the removal of lead water pipes is uncertain under the Trump administration, which announced a “massive” governmentwide deregulation initiative last week.

Finalized in October, the Biden administration’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements directs water utilities to remove and replace toxic lead pipes within the next 10 years. EPA is requesting a 60-day pause on legal proceedings to allow time for the new administration to get up to speed on the rule.

Advertisement

The rule is considered one of the most significant environmental policies of the Biden administration. It is being challenged by trade groups for water utilities, which say that the 10-year deadline is unfeasible for many cities and towns.

GET FULL ACCESS