March 10, 2020

Pallone & DeFazio Ask Water Utility Companies to Stop Shutting Off Water Service in Midst of Coronavirus Outbreak

Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) released the following statement today urging water utility companies across the country to avoid shutting off water service in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak:

 

“Today we are asking water utility companies across the country to stop shutting off water service to residents and families for nonpayment. Now is no time to compromise Americans’ access to safe, clean water – particularly when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising Americans to be diligent about washing their hands. Access to clean water is a basic human right at all times, but any action that restricts families’ access to water during the current coronavirus outbreak would be reckless in the extreme. This is a matter of protecting public health, and we call on utilities to recognize and respect that reality.”

 

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