Upton Committee Holds Forward Looking Hearing on Flint Water Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today led a congressional hearing on the Flint Water Crisis, and how we can move forward. The hearing, “Flint Water Crisis: Impacts and Lessons Learned,” was held before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy and the Subcommittee on Health.

“The tragic situation in Flint has captured the attention of the nation. The events that unfolded are unacceptable, and sadly there were missteps at all levels of government,” said Upton. “Long after the media leaves Flint and the dust settles there will be real Michigan families grappling with this tragedy for decades, indeed lifetimes. That’s why today’s hearing was forward looking. I’ve said before and will say again: I’m not interested in finger pointing. There has been much of that done already. The focus needs to be on the folks who were impacted – especially the children, and what we can do to ensure this never happens again, anywhere. We cannot and we will not forget those in Flint who have been impacted by this tragedy. No amount of regrets or words can actually fix what’s broken – we need concrete action.”

A witness list of those who testified is available here. Click here for video of Upton’s opening statement and here for his witness questioning.

Committee timeline of action on Flint Water Crisis:

·         January 15, 2016: Bipartisan committee leaders request urgent EPA briefing on drinking water in Flint, Michigan;

·         February 3, 2016: Upton and Congressman Frank Pallone, D-New Jersey, demand further information from EPA and state of Michigan on Flint Water Crisis;

·         February 10, 2016: The U.S. House of Representatives passes legislation, H.R. 4470, the Safe Drinking Water Act Improved Compliance Awareness Act, sponsored by Upton and Congressman Dan Kildee, D-Michigan.

·         February 19, 2016: EPA responds to February 3 letter;

·         February 29, 2016: MDEQ responds to February 3 letter; and,

·         March 22, 2016: Upton questions EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy on drinking water infrastructure issues during EPA budget hearing.

Tom Wilbur/Lynn Turner (202 225 3761/269-385-0039)

Source: Congressman Fred Upton