Portman Applauds EPA's Decision to Reconsider Dangerous Regulation of Fire Hydrants

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to reconsider an effort to require local governments to replace malfunctioning fire hydrants with new, independently certified, lead-free fire hydrants. This EPA regulation essentially makes it impossible for local governments to repair fire hydrants or replace them with existing inventory.

“I am pleased that the EPA has decided to reconsider this onerous, nonsensical regulation that will hurt communities across Ohio,” Portman said. “This episode is yet another example of regulatory overreach and the need for meaningful oversight to rein in excesses of the administrative state. I urge the Senate to act and ensure that this fire hydrant regulation is permanently put to rest.”

Last week, Portman cosponsored bipartisan legislation to bolster fire safety and protect local governments from this dangerous and expensive new mandate.  The bill, introduced by Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and cosponsored by Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), prohibits EPA oversight of fire hydrants.  On October 22, 2013, EPA announced through guidance that fire hydrants would be covered under the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, set to go into effect on January 4, 2014, because they are occasionally used in emergencies to provide drinking water.  Local communities were caught off guard by the announcement because fire hydrants had not been previously discussed, and because similar items were already excluded from the rule.  As a result of the new EPA interpretation, any hydrant manufactured or installed after January 4th must have a lead content that meets the statutory standard.  Spare hydrants or parts that cities in Ohio keep on hand not meeting the standard would become obsolete.