Current federal budget decisions shape lead-reduction efforts

Lead exposure has been identified as an important cause within the EA community. 

Here's a quick summary of how the current federal budget decisions could affect current lead reduction efforts both in the US and globally.

1. City pipe replacement
   The FY 2026 budget request would shrink the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund by about 87%, limiting the low-interest loans that utilities rely on across the US to fund their efforts to replace lead pipes.
2. Global commitments
   Roughly $25 million of the $150 million in pledges for the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future was committed by USAID. This funding is likely paused and at risk of cancellation under the current restructuring of foreign aid.
3. New technology
   A new at-home lead test being developed by researchers at Northwestern University which would have allowed households to test their water in approximately 30 minutes without sending it away to a water laboratory is under one of the current stop work orders.

Check out the full post here: https://insightforimpact.substack.com/p/how-federal-budget-decisions-shape