Governor Phil Murphy | Official website of Phil Murphy
Governor Phil Murphy | Official website of Phil Murphy
The Biden-Harris Administration has implemented a new rule mandating that drinking water systems nationwide identify and replace lead pipes within ten years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more stringent testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for community action on lead levels. This initiative aims to ensure all communities have access to clean drinking water by replacing every lead pipe in the country within a decade.
In conjunction with these improvements, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $44,199,000 in funding for New Jersey's drinking water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding is designated for lead pipe replacement projects, with nearly half allocated to disadvantaged communities as grants or principal forgiveness. Additionally, $35 million is available in competitive grants for reducing lead in drinking water.
Governor Murphy expressed gratitude towards the Biden-Harris Administration and emphasized that this funding will assist New Jersey communities in replacing all lead pipes over the next ten years. "These critical investments in our drinking water infrastructure will help protect our children from lead exposure," said Governor Murphy.
Separately, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced legal action against TikTok following an investigation into its business practices affecting New Jersey’s youth. The lawsuit alleges violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA). "Our investigation shows that TikTok knows about the dangerous effects of its platform on young users," stated Attorney General Platkin.
Additionally, New Jersey's minimum wage will increase by $0.36 to $15.49 per hour starting January 1, 2025. This adjustment aligns with changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"Aligning the state minimum wage with any increases in the cost of living is a critical step towards economic fairness," said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.
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