Staff Reports
President Joe Biden has touched down in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, undoubtedly riding high on the promise of replacing lead pipes and creating jobs that, according to him, actually pay well. However, one has to wonder if this job-creating effort is more about headlines than actual help for the American people.
In a move that might seem aimed at cleaning up the nation’s water supply, the Environmental Protection Agency has now mandated that all water utilities swap out lead pipes over the next decade. The environmental focus is admirable, but the timing raises eyebrows. One must consider if this is truly about public health or if it’s just another way to spin a narrative as a midterm election looms closer.
WATCH LIVE: Biden discusses progress in replacing lead pipes in Milwaukee https://t.co/ek9omlB2Qb via @dcexaminer
— Joni Myers (@JoniMyers18) October 8, 2024
Many are skeptical of the government’s ability to turn bureaucracy into a functioning plan. While Biden touts the job creation aspect, is there a guarantee that these positions will actually be well-paying when they’re likely to go to union-affiliated workers? This kind typically trades campaign contributions for favorable regulations. For all his intentions, there remain questions about whether the jobs created will rival the paychecks of “real” Americans hard at work in the private sector.
Additionally, the rule-bringing behemoth known as the EPA rarely meets a deadline it likes, often dragging its feet for years before deciding to enforce its whims. Ten years seems like an eternity in government time and may end up serving more as a consolation prize than a genuine solution to the issues at hand. It wouldn’t be surprising if this plan led to even more red tape and increased costs for municipalities, ultimately leaving taxpayers on the hook for uncollected bills. At the same time, politicians pat themselves on the back.
As Biden continues his tour of promises in swing states, the average American has to wonder if this is just another performance meant to distract from more pressing issues: inflation, crime, and supply chain meltdowns are just a few. While well-meaning rhetoric about pipes might play well with some, it’s hard to shake the feeling that this is one more example of the government thinking it knows better—in this case, about how to manage your water, your jobs, and, ultimately, your life.
