Portman Cosponsors Stabenow Amendment to Help Michigan, Ohio & Other States Resolve Drinking Water Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 8, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — Working to protect the drinking water in Michigan, Ohio, and other states, Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) yesterday co-sponsored an amendment he helped to negotiate with Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) designed to address lead exposure to drinking systems around the country. The amendment was the product of bipartisan negotiations over the last week, and would help Flint, Michigan and other states that have emergency water crises. Portman issued the following statement:

“Our focus should be on ensuring that all Americans have access to safe and clean drinking water. I’m grateful for the bipartisan cooperation from Senator Stabenow over the last week. The amendment we drafted would address not only the crisis in Flint, Michigan, but also help Ohio and other states should emergencies arise. I look forward to working with Senators Stabenow and Murkowski to resolve this issue on a bipartisan basis and to pass this energy bill expeditiously.”

NOTE: After a week of bipartisan discussions, Sen. Stabenow filed an amendment yesterday that would offer additional resources to any state – if the president declares an emergency – in order to address the lead poisoning crisis that began in Flint, Michigan. The amendment also requires the EPA to notify the public within 15 days if toxic levels of lead are found in any public water system. Portman is a cosponsor of the amendment.